Pulse Delays in TEA CO2 Lasers

A novel method is reported for studying the time-dependent gain and cavity losses in a TEA CO2 laser. The technique involves an investigation of the time delay of the onset of lasing with respect to the current pulse in such a laser. Detailed measurements of this time delay as both the laser gain and the cavity loss are varied, in conjunction with a simple theoretical analysis, permit the evaluation of parameters describing the time-dependent gain and the cavity loss. In particular, good values for the peak gain, the rise and fall times of the gain, and the average cavity loss per pass can be obtained. The parameters measured in this way are in agreement with other reported data, where available. The method of investigation reported avoids many of the experimental problems which are involved in the direct measurement of the time-dependent gain using cw CO2 laser techniques. Furthermore, the measurement method described also provides an in situ method of measuring the laser cavity loss.

Pulse Delays in TEA CO2 Lasers Journal Articles