Small-Signal Gain of CO2 Lasers Pumped by an SSVD

Abstract

A study was carried out into small-signal gain α of CO2 lasers excited by a volume self-sustained discharge at pump energy densities up to 700 J l−1 atm−1. Initiation of the discharge by a beam of accelerated electrons and previous filling of the discharge gap with electrons in the case of a long leading edge of the voltage pulses ensured more homogeneous pumping of the active medium compared with preionization by ultraviolet radiation in the case of voltage pulses with a short leading edge. It was established that the maximum value of a for an SSVD exceeded 5 m and was actually α = 8.2 m.