Output mode spectra, comparative parametric operation, quenching, photolytic reversibility, and short-pulse generation in atomic iodine photodissociation lasers

The advantages and disadvantages of the atomic iodine photodissociation laser for high-energy operation have been considered. Laser excitation by both slow and fast flashlamps has been investigated; in slow flash excitation, self-mode-locking occurs frequently and the output-mode characteristics of the laser operated in this way have been studied. The comparative performance of different parent materials for photodissociation has been investigated in the fast flash mode of excitation. This mode of excitation gives higher energy laser output and efficiency and less pyrolysis of the parent material. These observations, and the photolytic reversibility characteristics of different materials in repetitively photolyzed operation, have been discussed in the light of the most recently available kinetic data; i-C3F7I is the material of choice for laser operation. Finally, limits to the ability of atomic iodine photodissociation laser/amplifier(s) systems to generate and amplify short duration, high-energy pulses set by intralevel relaxation effects and coherent interactions are discussed.