Velocity Dependence of the Gain of a CO2 Laser.
Abstract
Measurements of the small signal gain and saturation intensity of CO2-N2-He laser are made as a function of gas flow velocity over the range from approximately 0 to 10 m/sec. The small signal gain increases and the saturation intensity decreases with increased gas velocity. For intermediate flow velocities with a gas transit time in the laser of a second, the saturation intensity also depends on the direction of propagation of the amplifier beam with respect to the gas flow. The directional dependence is due to an axial gradient in the saturation intensity. The transit time of the gas in the 2.5 meter amplifier spans the time required for appreciable generation of CO by dissociation of the CO2, and the variation of the laser gain with velocity is attributed to the effects of CO on the inversion of the laser medium. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1970
- Accession Number
- AD0715136
Entities
People
- David C. Smith
Organizations
- United Aircraft Corporation