Studies of electron energy deposition in a long pulse electron-beam-pumped laser for different gas mixtures

Summary form only given. Calorimeter measurements have been used in conjunction with 3-D Monte Carlo electron/photon transport calculations to determine the deposition characteristics of the electron beam in a long-pulse electron-beam-pumped laser. Calculation results for the radial and axial variation in the electron energy collected by the calorimeter have been compared with experimental measurements when the laser cell is filled with argon or nitrogen. If hydrodynamic expansion of the laser gas is taken into account, it is found that 2-D calculations of the electron energy deposition give a very good prediction of the relative dE/dx stopping power. However, 3-D calculations give a better estimate of the total energy deposited in the laser cell volume and hence a better estimate of the average pump rate. Because 3-D calculations that include the 30° bend are in substantial agreement with the calorimeter measurements, these calculations can be used to determine the deposition characteristics when different gas mixtures are present in the laser cell