A sealed, high-CO 2 high-PRF semiconductor-preionised tea laser without a solid catalyst

Abstract

Sealed, semiconductor-preionised CO 2 TEA lasers have, without the use of solid catalysts, been operated for 8 × 10 6 pulses with the high CO 2 concentrations 40% needed for maximum peak power output per unit discharge volume. Discharge stability was maintained by the addition of CO and H 2. At a continuous PRF of 30 Hz, the peak power was 50% of that obtained from the same lasers using a solid catalyst, while at lower PRF (1–10 Hz), about 75% of maximum was sustained. These reduced power levels were explained by the presence, at equilibrium, of ∼ 2% O 2 and ∼6% CO. The useful sealed life was limited by radiation damage to the Ge mirror and not by the gas discharge.