Multiple preionization discharge TEA CO/sub 2/ laser

Journal Article · Sat May 01 04:00:00 EDT 1976 · Rev. Sci. Instrum.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.1134698· OSTI ID:7197064

Girard, A

A new concept in utilizing preionization in the TEA CO/sub 2/ laser is presented. The variable adjustment of the delay between the preionization and the main discharge in a pin-grid double discharge TEA CO/sub 2/ laser permits the use of low He concentrations (< or =60%), and different CO/sub 2//(CO/sub 2/+N/sub 2/) ratios (ranging from 1 to 0) at relatively high main discharge storage energy density (150 J/liter). The addition of a different preionization source (Lamberton--Pearson type) to this laser type leads to further increase in overall performance. This permits a completely variable TEA CO/sub 2/ laser operation over the gas mixture 100--45% He, and CO/sub 2//(CO/sub 2/+N/sub 2/) ratio from 1 to 0 and the pump energy (to more than 200 J/liter) without the use of any sophisticated discharge circuit configuration or any seeded gas in the laser mixture. A qualitative explanation based on the comprehension of the different electron production--electron loss processes in the laser discharge is proposed. This contribution opens up a new point of view in using more profitably the different preionization schemes proposed to date. (AIP)

• Research Organization: Gen-Tec Incorporated, Ste. Foy, Quebec G1P 3S9, Canada
• OSTI ID: 7197064
• Journal Information: Rev. Sci. Instrum.; (United States), Journal Name: Rev. Sci. Instrum.; (United States) Vol. 47:5; ISSN RSINA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
420300* -- Engineering-- Lasers-- (-1989)
CARBON DIOXIDE LASERS
CRYOGENIC FLUIDS
ELECTRON LOSS
ELEMENTS
FLUIDS
GAS LASERS
HELIUM
IONIZATION
LASERS
NITROGEN
NONMETALS
PERFORMANCE
RARE GASES