Abstract

We show that it is possible to improve the efficiency of a laser system by adding a classical heat engine cycle to the laser gas that can remove both thermal and vibrational energy from the gas. A rapid pulsed CO<sub>2</sub> laser/gas expansion cycle engine and a continuous CO<sub>2</sub> laser, Stirling or Brayton cycle engine are analyzed. We derive a theoretical total energy recovery efficiency for a CO<sub>2</sub> laser combined with a classical heat engine of 89%. Then, several distinctly different functional laser-coupled heat engine designs will be evaluated to determine the viability of these concepts in practice. Ultimate practical device efficiencies are projected to reach 75% efficiency.

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