Linear, segmented microdischarge array with an active length of ∼1 cm:: cw and pulsed operation in the rare gases and evidence of gain on the 460.30 nm transition of Xe+

A linear, segmented channel, microdischarge array having an similar to80 x 380 mum(2) aperture and an active length of similar to1 cm, has been fabricated in a ceramic multilayer structure and characterized in Ne, Ar, and Xe. The length of this seven-section device is more than an order of magnitude larger than those for previous arrays (2-3 elements) of coaxial microdischarge devices, and the discharge segments are individually ballasted with integrated thick-film resistors. Pulsed and cw operation of the array for Xe pressures as large as 700 Torr has been demonstrated and experimental indications of gain on the Xe+ 6p D-4(3/2)0 --> 6s P-4(3/2) transition at 460.30 nm are presented. This device is well suited for the excitation of microlasers, either by electron impact pumping of gases and vapors, or by photoexcitation of solid state lasers in a slab geometry. (C) 2003 American Institute of Physics.