Development of gas-discharge lasers using tpi-type pseudospark switches

Technical features and unique properties of TPI-series cold cathode thyratrons (pseudospark switches) used as a high-voltage switches in the excitation systems of excimer lasers and thallium vapors laser are presented. The comparative testing of hot cathode thyratron, triggered spark gaps and TPI-series thyratrons in the excitation system of these lasers was performed. An output radiation energy of ArF (193 nm) and KrCl (223 nm) excimer lasers with thyratrons TPI1-1 Ok/20 was obtained to be of 1.4 times higher than that with standard spark gap RU-65 at the same pumping conditions. As a result, for ArF and KrCl excimer lasers with TPI thyratron the output radiation energies of 1.0 J and 0.65 J with total efficiencies of 1.7% and 1.5% were achieved respectively. The advantages of using the TPI thyratron as a high-voltage switch over standard spark gap RU-65 and hot cathode thyratron are described. Long distance run tests of TPI-thyratrons in a serially produced laser CL5000 and in a number of experimental lasers are made. Presently a service lifetime achieved is 200 Mio. shots. It is shown that cold cathode thyratrons TPI1-1 Ok/20 are capable of switching in metal -vapor lasers pumping pulses with short pulse edges, which is perspective for application in Lasers with self terminating transitions. Lasing characteristics of gas-discharge Thallium laser with ¿=535 nm are investigated. A stable coherent lasing with ¿ =535 nm and average power of ~7 mW was obtained at buffer Ne (He) at gas pressure of P_Ne(He) = 2...5 Torr; VDC up to 24 kV; pumping pulse repetition rate up to 5 kHz; operating capacitance of 800 pF. The ways to improve energy and lasing efficiency of the laser are shown.