A study of the factors limiting the life of copper bromide lasers

Results of an experimental study of the factors limiting the life of copper bromide lasers are reported. It is shown that, although there are many factors that can limit the laser life, no fundamental obstacles exist that can prevent the development of discharge tubes with a life of 500 hr or more through proper design. It is also noted that, with proper design, the lasing characteristics of copper bromide lasers can be comparable with those of copper vapor lasers.