Edge autopreionization effect on power enhancement of a transversely excited atmospheric nitrogen laser

Abstract

We report a power-enhanced nitrogen laser system which utilizes an autopreionization effect at the sharp edges of the Blumlein capacitor’s electrode. The power enhancing effect of the laser is investigated at various autopreionizer gap distance and the main electrode gap distance. A 43% increase and a stability within 2% in the laser output power are achieved at the optimal configuration. The present autopreionization technique is found to be simple yet more effective.