Comparison of dc and ac excitation of a sealed CO2 laser

Abstract

We demonstrate a sealed CO2 laser excited by 60 Hz ac discharges using a high-leakage transformer typical of neon signs. The transformer is employed to limit a short circuit current into an energy-storage capacitor. The laser performance characteristics versus pressure and discharge current for pumping with a dc and 60 Hz ac discharge, are investigated. It is found that there is no difference in laser output power and system efficiency as functions of total input power between them. The maximum laser power of about 40 W is obtained at the condition of 18 Torr and 35 mA.