Laser emission in the vacuum ultraviolet from molecular hydrogen

A unique gas laser system suitable for achieving more than a 100-kW peak power in the vacuum ultraviolet spectral region near 1600 A is described. First, the theory of the molecular hydrogen laser is presented. The novel operation of the device to generate a fast-rising current pulse which travels down the discharge channel at the velocity of light is described. Finally, the experimental verification of lasing and further characteristics of the device are given.