Generation of tunable intense coherent radiation around 126nm with an argon excimer laser

Generation of intense coherent radiation with an electron beam pumped argon excimer laser is presented. A tunable oscillation was established in the wavelength range from 124nm to 127.5nm, and the maximum output power of 2.2MW was obtained at the line center. The spectral region is extended using stimulated Raman scattering in hydrogen molecules. The conversion efficiency is as high as about 50% in 8atm hydrogen gas.