Dynamics of the gain and generation of an Ar–Xe laser pumped by an electron beam

The time evolution of the small-signal gain and the development of generation on various spectral components of a laser operating on IR transitions of the Xe atom have been studied. The high-pressure Ar–Xe mixture was pumped by a beam of fast electrons with an electron current density ∼ 1.5 A/cm². Experimental data obtained for Ar:Xe ratios from 19:1 to 1000:1 are used to calculate the collisional half-widths Δ_λ of working transitions with wavelengths λ = 1.73, 2.03, 2.63, and 3,37 μm. The half-width of the line with λ = 2.65 μm is calculated.