Characteristics of a distributed feedback carbon dioxide laser

Using a plane wave analysis and perturbation theory, the characteristics of a hollow-core distributed feedback CO2 laser are derived. Expressions for two dimensional fields supported in a rectangular hollow-core dielectric waveguide are developed. Expressions for TE and TM leaky mode loss are also derived. Coupling coefficients for backward scattering modes coupling to the forward incident mode are derived. A double-grating slab waveguide is analyzed where both dielectric interfaces contain identical sinusoidal perturbations. Expressions for waveguide reflectivity are derived in terms of relative phase or position of the two gratings. Construction of a distributed feedback CO2 laser is reported. A method of external discharge pumping to create an active medium in a 76 microns waveguide is discussed.