Plasma effects in the HCN laser.
The radial gain and refractive properties of an HCN amplifier using high current, short pulse excitation have been measured at 337 microm. The amplifier exhibits gain only after the electrons, which are produced at the wall, reach the amplifier axis, thus accounting for the delay normally observed between excitation and laser emission. Strong electron refractive effects, due to radial density gradients, are present that are associated with the gain and dynamics of the discharge. Weak magnetic fields can enhance or modulate the laser output. Strong fields, however, produce a current instability that destroys the symmetry of the gain profile and reduces the laser output.
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