Theoretical investigation of lasing in 4.3 micron region in CO2 laser

The limiting energy characteristics of a 4.3 micrometers pulsed CO2 laser was investigated, and the conditions necessary for realizing them are determined. The influence of the various physical processes occurring in the active medium on the output parameters of the laser system is analyzed. The lasing process in a CO2:n:2:He mixture pre-excited in an electrical discharge is modeled numerically. It is found that maximum lasing power in energy is achieved when the pumping and lasing radiation is coupled through a common rotational sublevel. Radiation energy as high as 200 mj/l can be obtained under actual experimental conditions.