Single line operation and line competition effects in RF discharge excited cw Xe lasers

We describe the first observation of single-line operation of cw atomic xenon lasers at Watt-level output powers. Single frequency output powers of 3.5 W on the 2.03 µm line and 780 mW on the 3.51 µm line have been observed. The single line performance of the laser is compared with observations made during multi-line operation. An explanation for the observed behaviour is proposed involving the suppression of line competition and the selective quenching and pumping of relevant transitions. © 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.