Ultimate characteristics of an $XeO$ photochemical laser

An expenmental and theoretical investigation is made of the nature of internal losses in the active medium of an $XeO$ photochemical laser pumped by an open high-current electric discharge. It is shown that the specific efficiency of an $XeO$ laser may be enhanced by reducing the internal losses. Calculations are made of the pumping and the predicted output energy from an $XeO$ laser with a plane-mirror resonator is determined. The optimal mixture composition and transmission of the mirrors are found for which the output energy in pulses of $\thicksim10\mu s$ duration should be $\thicksim40$ J, corresponding to a total laser efficiency of $\thicksim0,1$%. It is noted that the efficiency of this laser may be further improved to 0,2% by using isotopically pure xenon.