Switchless mode operation of a pulse TE‐CO2 laser is reported. The system has provided an output energy of 7 J at atmospheric pressure from a discharge volume of 3 cm×3.3 cm×42 cm with an efficiency of 8%. Under long pulse loading, it has provided 3.5 J in a 5 μs pulse at an efficiency of 7% at a pressure of 500 mbar. The elimination of the high voltage switch from the main discharge circuit has resulted in a simple and inexpensive laser system.
Topics
Lasers
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© 1991 American Institute of Physics.
1991
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