Simplified model for designing large KrF amplifiers

Abstract

A simplified model for determining the performance of large krypton-fluoride laser amplifiers is presented. The model includes a straightforward treatment of the controlling kinetics, an exact solution for energy extraction, and an approximation to amplified spontaneous emission losses; it can be easily programmed to run on personal computers. The inclusion of the controlling basic physics for KrF lasers makes the model ideally suited for the many calculations that are necessary to optimize the design of a specific amplifier. The basic parameters determined in the model are compared to experimental data wherever possible, and the large amplifier performance predictions are compared to the results from the most sophisticated kinetics and a 3-D extraction model that includes a full treatment of losses due to amplified spontaneous emission.