Continuous tuning of coherent radiation in the 117.6–119.2 nm range

Experimental and theoretical studies were made of the generation of continuously tunable coherent radiation in the 117.6–119.2 nm range in Xe and a phase-matched Xe–Ar mixture. Dependences of the third harmonic generation efficiency on the wavelength and energy of the pump radiation and also on the gas pressure were obtained. It was found that the Kerr effect strongly influenced the optimum conversion conditions, particularly at the limits of this range.