Operating efficiencies in pulsed carbon-dioxide lasers

Smith, A.L.S. and Mellis, J. (1982) Operating efficiencies in pulsed carbon-dioxide lasers. Applied Physics Letters, 41 (11). pp. 1037-1039. ISSN 0003-6951 (http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.93385)

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Abstract

Computer models of the CO2‐N2‐He laser system usually predict that 20%-33% of the discharge energy should be available as radiation output. Using a comprehensive kinetics model to study vibrational temperatures and stored energies, we find a deterioration in laser efficiency with increasing input energy, due to electron superelastic losses during the excitation pulse. Experimental observations support the calculated vibrational temperatures and likewise our predicted 8%-12% yield efficiency at optimum excitation is in good agreement with the values realized in working lasers.