Formation of a high-frequency discharge in the active metal vapor laser medium

The evolution of an electric discharge in the active self-terminating metal atom laser medium is examined. Electrodes in the gas discharge tube are placed in cold buffer zones at a distance of several centimeters from the thermally insulated gas discharge channel. It is shown that an abnormal glow discharge is initiated in the cold buffer zones, as capacitive components of the discharge circuit charge from a storage capacitor. In this case, the current-voltage characteristic of the abnormal glow discharge in the cold buffer zones exhibiting a steep current growth and sharp voltage drop is illustrated in the right-hand branch of the Pashcen curve. These processes cause the discharge to pinch. As the capacitive components charge from the storage capacitor for the electrodes in the gas discharge tube placed in the cold buffer zones at a distance of ≤1–3 mm from the thermally insulated gas discharge channel, an obstructed discharge is formed in the cold zones. On ignition of the discharge shown in the right-hand branch of the Pashcen curve the current accompanied by gas heating eliminates the contraction of the discharge in the cold buffer zones and initiates a high-frequency discharge in the active medium since the instant the breakdown (pinch) occurs. In this case, the current-voltage characteristic is demonstrated in the left-hand branch of the Pashcen curve.