Energy efficiency of different methods of ionizing the active media of gas lasers with a non-self-sustained discharge

A precise analysis is given of the concept of the efficiency of a preionization system and criteria are introduced for comparing different ionizing methods in terms of their efficiencies. Estimates are made of the maximum efficiencies of ionizing methods utilizing an electron beam, ultraviolet radiation, and an auxiliary pulsed discharge. An analysis is made of the domains of application of the ionizing methods.