Pulsed RF waveguide studies program

The purpose of the Pulsed RF Waveguide Studies Program was to demonstrate the feasibility of and perform parametric studies on flowing and sealed RF pumped CO2 waveguide lasers. This report deals with both the theoretical and experimental aspects of the program including analysis of the data and an outline of the experimental equipment and procedures used to obtain the data. During phase 1 of the program, flowing gas parametric performance studies were performed. The phase 2 work covered aspects of sealed laser operation including parametric gain and power output results with life tests data. Two laser heads and one power supply were also built and delivered to NVEOL in this phase. The data obtained during this study was excellent and many notable accomplishments were realized. These results are sufficiently promising as to assure the pulsed RF laser a place in many tactical CO2 systems.