Automated tuning of a CO2 laser to a required oscillation line without a spectral instrument

Abstract

The method is proposed for tuning CO2 laser to a required oscillation line without a spectral instrument based on the coincidence of transition frequencies belonging to different vibrational—rotational bands of the CO2 molecule. This coincidence leads to the anomaly in the gain distribution over rotational sublevels, thereby affecting the laser output parameters. The method was successfully applied to a completely automated low-pressure, longitudinal-discharge cw CO2 laser and a pulsed TEA CO2 laser.