Efficient excitation conditions for an electric-discharge F{sub 2} laser

An F{sub 2} laser operating at a pressure of an F{sub 2} - He - Ne gas mixture of up to 3300 mbar is investigated. The conditions for obtaining a maximum lasing efficiency are determined as a function of the parameters of the excitation system. It is found that small amounts of neon ({approx}100 mbar) added to the working mixture insignificantly (by {approx}15%) reduce the output energy, but substantially improve the discharge homogeneity. A 157-nm F{sub 2} laser operating at a comparatively low pressure in the active medium is developed. Its pulse energy is 28 mJ and the efficiency is 0.14%. (special issue devoted to the memory of academician a m prokhorov)