Characteristics of a plasma-injection-controlled discharge for CO2 mixing lasers

The characteristics of continuous electric discharges which were used in high power carbon dioxide mixing lasers are outlined. The discharges in nitrogen at atmospheric pressure are stabilized by the plasma injection technique. Discharge characteristics are presented for a range of discharge dimensions, preionizing discharge currents and gas flow rates. Specific input energies as high as 900 kJ/kg are accomplished.