Optimal repetition frequency of output pulses of hollowcathode ion lasers

The pulsed and average output powers of the 615.0 nm line of mercury ions and 441.6 nm line of cadmium ions were measured when the repetition frequency and duration of current pulses were varied. The maximum average power of $\thicksim8$ mW/cm${}^3$ corresponded to an optimal repetition frequency of the order of 50 kHz and a pulse duration of 0.3$\mu$sec.