Abstract

The physical processes limiting the CuBr laser lifetime have been long-term targets of our work. The main causes shortening the life of a heated sealed-off CuBr laser are clarified in Refs, 1–3, Increasing the efficiency of chemical recombination of the dissociated CuBr in the laser tube sharply reduces loss of CuBr, Despite that, a thin Cu layer is formed on the internal surface of the tube, which contaminates the laser windows. Meanwhile the bromine pressure gradually increases, and when it exceeds 1 Torr, laser operation stops. Absorbing the free bromine increases the laser lifetime to 500 h.³ The laser window contamination and electrode deterioration are shortcomings of heated sealed-off CuBr laser tubes.

© 1986 Optical Society of America