Abstract: A process for generating negative ions of hydrogen isotopes is described which comprises cooling the hydrogen gas below 300.degree. K., and preferably to about 200.degree. K., vibrationally exciting the molecules of the gas, and the dissociating the molecules by electron impact into neutral hydrogen atoms and negative hydrogen ions. Alternatively, the gas may first be vibrationally excited by heating or the like, and then cooled translationally, for example, by rapid expansion prior to dissociation by electron impact. The processes of this invention are characterized by control of non-equilibrium conditions to obtain large increases in dissociative attachment rates by increasing the population of hydrogen gas molecules having a higher vibrational energy state.

Abstract: A closed cycle, high repetition pulsed laser having a laser flow channel with an annular flow return surrounding the laser flow channel. Ultra high vacuum components and low out-gassing materials are used in the device. An externally driven axial flow fan is used for gas recirculation. A thyratron-switched low-inductance energy storage capacitor is used to provide a transverse discharge between profiled electrodes in the laser cavity.