Effects of buffer gases on an optically pumped CH_3F FIR laser
Abstract
The effects of nine different buffer gases on the performance of a 496-micron optically pumped CH3F laser are studied experimentally. The best result for CW operation is obtained with a 1:1 mixture of CH3F:C6H14, which increases the optimum CH3F pressure by nearly 100% and the output power by 55% over those of the pure CH3F case. Similar results are obtained in pulsed operation with 350-microsec pump pulses. With the help of theoretical expressions, the effectiveness of C6H14 is attributed to its large vibrational heat content relative to its molecular weight.
- Publication:
-
Journal of the Optical Society of America (1917-1983)
- Pub Date:
- April 1976
- DOI:
- 10.1364/JOSA.66.000362
- Bibcode:
- 1976JOSA...66..362C
- Keywords:
-
- Buffers (Chemistry);
- Far Infrared Radiation;
- Fluorohydrocarbons;
- Gas Lasers;
- Optical Pumping;
- Laser Outputs;
- Molecular Excitation;
- Molecular Relaxation;
- Optical Resonators;
- Pulsed Lasers;
- Vibration Effects;
- Lasers and Masers