Effect of gas convection induced by cross-field discharge in a copper vapor laser

Magnetic field has been applied to a copper vapor laser with an intention of improving the laser characteristics by inner gas convection. The convection induced by the J×B cross-field discharge (the Lorentz force) is used for partially replacing or mixing the laser medium in a highly heated discharged region with relatively cold gas surrounding the region. It is observed that the output power increases with the increase of the magnetic field. A 23% increase in the output power is obtained with a magnetic field of 150 gauss. The cross-field discharge causes an increase in the peak discharge voltage and a reduction in the initial part of discharge current (Phantom current). Based on the results observed, the possible mechanisms for increasing the power are discussed.