Lead laser using lead chloride as a lasant

Abstract

A lead‐vapor laser utilizing lead chloride as a lasant has been investigated. Lasing is attained by means of two consecutive electrical discharges. The maximum output is obtained at a vapor pressure of about 0.3 Torr at a temperature of 500°C, a time delay between electrical discharges of 150 μs, and an output mirror transmittance of 80%. The maximum energy density and power density are respectively 4 μJ cm⁻³ and 160 W cm⁻³.