Optimization of excitation channels in the discharge-excited Sr⁺ recombination laser

We report efficient operation of a longitudinal discharge-excited Sr ⁺ recombination laser operating at λ=430.5 nm in a]] long pulse" (∼1 μs full width at half-maximum) mode which utilizes Sr ⁺⁺ ions produced in the afterglow by heavy body processes. Optimum operating conditions have been established and compared with those for the]] short pulse" (∼200 ns full width at half-maximum) mode of operation observed previously. Single pulse energies at 180 and 250 μJ have been obtained in the short and long pulse modes respectively corresponding to extraction energy densities of 6 and 8 μJ/cm³.