Abstract

Transverse x-ray preionization is a well-established technique for conditioning large-volume transversely excited (TE) high-pressure discharges and has successfully been employed for excimer, CO₂, and HF lasers.¹ Use of axial x-ray preionization rather than the usual transverse illumination is reported, and results for a 10-atm pressure CO₂ laser and the potential benefits of incorporating this scheme into a high-repetition-rate XeCl laser are discussed. Axial preionization considerably simplifies laser design since the x rays enter the chamber through one of the laser mirrors rather than a slot x-ray window in the wall of the pressure vessel.

© 1985 Optical Society of America