Theoretical studies of UV-preionized transverse discharge KrF and ArF lasers

A theoretical model has been developed to examine the behavior of UV preionized, fast transverse discharge, rare-gas halide lasers. The model integrates the time dependent circuit equations for the discharge, the kinetic equations for the important atomic and molecular species and electrons, and the equations describing the growth of the spontaneous and stimulated emission. Results of KrF and ArF are compared with those in a companion experimental paper by Sze and Loree. The effects of various self-absorption mechanisms in the laser media are discussed, along with the possible impact of several uncertainties regarding the fundamental processes occurring in such lasers.