The properties of cadmium ion level excitation by means of second-kind collisions with buffer gas ions or metastable atoms in a negative glow of steady-state hollow cathode discharge are discussed. The electron energy distribution function, electric field distribution, and relevant level excitation rates were calculated and measured. The laser output power was measured as a function of discharge parameters and laser tube design for blue (441.6 nm), green (533.7 and 537.8 nm), and red (636 nm) He-Cd+ laser lines in continuous wave hollow cathode discharge both in lasing at individual lines and in three-color output regime that gives white- light emission. Output powers of 115 mW, 25 mW, and 13 mW for blue, green, and red lines, respectively, and a noise level less than 1% rms were obtained.
|