Broad band frequency tuning of a He-Xe laser with a superconducting solenoid

Abstract

A magnetic field of up to 70 kOe produced by a superconducting solenoid is applied to the 3.5 μm He-Xe laser oscillator along its axial direction. The laser frequency is then tuned to an extent of ±105 GHz. The tuning coverage of 7 cm⁻¹ achieved here is more than ten times broader than that of any existing atomic gas laser. The laser tube is so designed as to stabilize the electric discharge in the magnetic field. The small irregularity of the frequency tuning characteristics is reduced by the use of enriched xenon-136 isotope in the He-Xe laser. We describe the design of the apparatus and the performance of the magnetically tunable laser with a broad tuning range.