Effect of the distance circuit inductance on the specific energy contribution in pulsed lasers with a nonself-sustained discharge

This paper presents the results of theoretical and experimental studies of the effect of the discharge circuit inductance on the pumping efficiency of pulsed lasers with a nonself-sustained discharge. It is shown that the presence of an inductance in the discharge circuit makes it possible to establish an ionization multiplication regime for a supply voltage that is less than the breakdown value, and the realization of this regime at the optimum inductance value can provide a significant advantage in terms of energy contribution to an individual pumping pulse. A factor of 1.4 gain was achieved in experiments. The results are discussed. Recommendations are given with regard to a practical choice of discharge circuit inductance to provide for maximum pumping efficiency.