224 nm segmented hollow-cathode silver ion laser

The segmented hollow-cathode discharge arrangement is used the first time to excite the 224 nm Ag II laser transition. Quasi-continuous output power of 45 mW is obtained during the 300 μs current pulses at optimal discharge conditions (10 hPa of He+4% Ar buffer gas) for discharge current of 3 A. No power saturation is observed up to this current value. An average output power of 0.75 mW is reached using pulse repetition frequency of 190 Hz. The longitudinal mode structure of the TEM00 transversal mode is measured by means of a scanning confocal Fabry–Perot interferometer. Two-mode operation is found to be dominant at high current values. Attempts and suggestions are made to prolong the lifetime of the laser tube.