title: Characteristics of the continuous wave neutral argon laser.
abstract: The characteristics of the cw neutral argon ir laser are studied using a variety of techniques. The output power enhancement effects of helium and chlorine gases are measured, and the reasons for the enhancement are determined. The gain is measured for the 2.397-microm, 2.208-microm, 2.062-microm, and 1.792-microm laser lines, using an internal cavity-loss method and a single-pass amplifier method. In addition, the saturation intensity is measured, and competition effects are studied. It is concluded that helium aids excitation of the upper laser levels by producing a significant increase in the electron temperature. Chlorine is shown to aid de-excitation of the lower laser levels by partially depopulating the metastable argon 4s levels that lie just below them.
authors.forename: A B
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: Dauger
authors.forename: O M
authors.initials: OM
authors.lastname: Stafsudd