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A one-dimensional code for the numerical simulation of negative branch unstable resonators with an intracavity aperture that are applied to high-gain, short-pulse XeCl lasers is described. The model predicts near- and far-field performance of the output laser beams. The intracavity aperture size is shown as an important parameter for control of the output beam energy and divergence. A comparison with experimental measurements is presented.

Near-diffraction-limited laser beams of high energy have been achieved with a long-pulse (110-ns) XeCl laser fitted with a super-Gaussian unstable cavity of magnification M = 2.7. It has been found that when the super-Gaussian output coupler is replaced with a hard-edge aluminized mirror of radius equal to the super-Gaussian mirror spot size, the output laser energy is reduced by 10%, whereas the beam divergence increases more than 50%.