Carbon monoxide laser

The main objective of this program is the investigation of the pulsed electrical CO laser to determine the relative scaling parameters and the usefulness of high power CO lasers in systems applications. During this six month period the laser cavity and heat exchanger have been fabricated and assembled. Initial interferometric measurements indicated considerable turbulence in the flow which was greatly improved by introducing a fine stainless steel screen above the heat exchanger. However the original tests performed at a flow velocity of 50 cm/sec did not yield the desired medium uniformity and near-diffraction limited medium quality was eventually obtained by increasing the flow velocity to approximately 400 cm/sec. Currently the electrodes are being installed and the E-beam interfaced with the discharge cavity. Once completed further flow tests will be performed using the dump tank facility and the effect of the electrode structures upon the medium uniformity investigated. Finally gain and power measurements will be performed.