EFFECTS OF DIFFUSION ON THE SATURATION INTENSITY OF A CO2 LASER.
Abstract
The power and gain capabilities of a CO2 laser are dependent upon the saturation intensity of the laser media. Saturation intensities reported in the literature range from 22 watts/sq cm to 100 watts/sq cm for seemingly similar laser discharge tube bores, currents, gas flow rates and gas mixtures. Measurements of saturation intensities between 7.5 and 57 watts/sq cm in a CO2 laser amplifier indicate that this parameter is inversely related to the radius of the amplified beam. A significant increase in saturation intensity for small beam radii is attributed to diffusion of excited CO2 molecules into the beam. The experimental results are in qualitative agreement with a simplified derivation of a relation governing the saturation intensity which includes molecular diffusion. This effect can result in a serious overestimate of the capabilities of a large beam laser system designed with saturation intensities obtained from small diameter probe beams. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1969
- Accession Number
- AD0694547
Entities
People
- David C. Smith
- John H. Mccoy
Organizations
- United Aircraft Corporation