Multi-kilojoule HF laser using intense-electron-beam initiation of H2–F2 mixtures

Abstract
We report here the results of an HF‐laser experiment in which an intense electron beam is used to initiate high‐pressure room‐temperature H2/F2 mixtures. The maximum laser energy was 2.3 kJ in a 35‐nsec (FWHM) pulse with a mixture of 360‐Torr F2, 140‐Torr O2, 100‐Torr SF6, and 100‐Torr H2. Electrical efficiency for the laser was as high as 200%. The maximum chemical efficiency was 5.2%.