Transient optical nutation in CO2 laser

The influence of coherent effects on amplified pulse shape is examined in detail for high pulse energy density, maximum possible gain-length product and high energy contrast of input signal employing equipment with approximately 0.15 ns temporal resolution. The experimental setup and measurement method are described. The effects of coherent interaction of a light pulse with the ambient medium influences the form of radiation in power amplifier stages where the leading edge of the pulse is approximately 0.1 ns long and the energy density is approximately 1 J/sq. cm. The observed effect in interpreted as causing oscillographically observed oscillations in pulse intensity.