Excimer $HgJ^*$ laser excited by an electric discharge

A description is given of an $HgJ^*$ laser pumped by a transverse electric discharge with additional photoionization. Lasing was observed at wavelengths of 441.4, 443, 444 and 445 nm. The energy per pulse reached 3 mJ. The time dependences of the laser radiation intensity, discharge current, and voltage across the electrodes were determined. The positive role of the $N_2(A^3\Sigma_u)$ molecules in the filling of the upper active level was analyzed. The reduction in the output energy on increase in the nitrogen concentration in the mixture was attributed to the deexcitation of the $N_2(A^3\Sigma_u)$ molecules by pair collisions.