High-power generation from a parallel-plates-driven pulsed nitrogen laser

Preliminary results from a recent study of high-power generation from a pulsed nitrogen laser are presented. The laser is a modified Blumlein similar to that reported by Basting et al., but uses a self-triggered spark gap for rapid repetitive switching, a third electrode in the laser cavity for preionization, and a razor blade cathode structure to provide a uniform volume discharge. So far, output power in excess of 3 MW and pulse energy greater than 20 mJ have been obtained, but there is no evidence that the discharge is operating in a traveling-wave mode.