Lasers in dense gases pumped by low-energy electron beams

Abstract

Articles you may be interested inInhibiting spontaneous etching of nanoscale electron beam induced etching features: Solutions for nanoscale repair of extreme ultraviolet lithography masks The use of low-energy ͑Ϸ15 keV͒ electron beams for pumping laser systems in dense gases with high specific power deposition is described. Thin ͑300 nm͒ SiN x ceramic foils used as entrance window in a transverse geometry for the electron beam allows pressure differentials of several atmospheres with low percentage energy loss in transmission. The 1.73 m XeI (5d͓3/2͔ 1 -6p͓5/2͔ 2 ) infrared laser was used for a first demonstration of this concept. The laser operated between 130 and 650 mbar. A threshold pumping power of 5.3 W and a maximum output power of 6 mW were observed. The system can be scaled to high pumping power ͑ϷMW/cm 3 ͒ and short wavelength.

Electron beam induced light emission

“…Note, that small beam pumped volumes can also be more easily combined with stable optical laser resonators. Demonstration of laser effect has already been achieved for an infrared Ar-Xe laser operating at a wavelength of 1.73 µm [20]. This laser system is now being studied in more detail in preparation of experiments at shorter wavelengths.…”

Fabrication and characteristics of novel graphite field emitters for application to electron-beam-pumped light sources

“…1,2 Although thermal cathodes have previously been used as electron sources in these experiments, they require a power supply for heating and are difficult to incorporate into a truly compact system. Recently, light emission based on the excitation of rare gases by a low energy dc electron beam ͑less than 30 keV͒ has become a promising approach for realizing deep-or vacuum-ultraviolet light sources or lasers that are compact and have high efficiency.…”

Electron‐beam‐pumped light sources using graphite nanoneedle field emitters and Si electron‐transparent films

“…Light emission based on the excitation of rare gases by a low-energy DC electron beam (less than 30 keV) is a promising approach for realizing deep-or vacuumultraviolet light sources or lasers that are compact and have a high efficiency [1,2]. Although thermal cathodes have previously been used as electron sources in these experiments, they require power supply for heating and are difficult to incorporate into a truly compact system.…”