A selfsustained discharge multiatmospheric CO2 laser with electron-beam preionization
Abstract
A multiatmospheric CO2 laser has been demonstrated which employs a self-sustained discharge with electron-beam preionization. An arc-free homogeneous glow discharge has been achieved at gas pressures up to 20 bar, and a maximum output energy density of 5 J/sq cm, limited by the damage threshold of the cavity elements, has been obtained. The laser has a total efficiency of 3.8 percent and a mode efficiency of 14 percent; the laser pulse waveform, measured with a photon-drag detector has a duration of about 50 ns and no tail. Multifrequency operation and continuous tunability without frequency pulling have been also demonstrated.
- Publication:
-
Optics Communications
- Pub Date:
- July 1983
- Bibcode:
- 1983OptCo..46..311W
- Keywords:
-
- Carbon Dioxide Lasers;
- Electron Pumping;
- Gas Discharge Tubes;
- High Power Lasers;
- Self Sustained Emission;
- Tea Lasers;
- Tunable Lasers;
- Frequency Pulling;
- Gas Ionization;
- Glow Discharges;
- Laser Outputs;
- Lasers and Masers