HIGH POWER GAS LASER RESEARCH.
Abstract
This report covers research and development of two separate lasers: a 10 W cw argon ion laser and a 1 W cw, single-mode carbon dioxide laser. The basic mechanisms and scaling laws for ion lasers are reviewed and brought up to date. Measurements of power output and efficiency as a function of tube diameter, length, gas pressure, magnetic field, and mirror transmission are given and compared with theory. A brief description of gas pumping, throat erosion, and optical mode distortion effects is included. Quartz, ceramic, and metal bore discharge tube characteristics are discussed in detail. Design of the 10 W laser tube, power supply and heat exchanger is described, and the operating characteristics of the delivered equipment are presented. The results of a first generation development study for a practical 1 W, single frequency 10.6 micron CO2 laser are summarized. The parametric study included an investigation of the effects of discharge tube diameter, gas additives (N2, air, and helium), gas flow rate, gas temperature, and the manner of excitation (dc, ac, or rf) on the power output and efficiency of the CO2 laser. Both internal mirror and external mirror-Brewster window lasers were developed. Several resonator configurations were considered and output coupling techniques included the use of mirrors with holes and intracavity pickoffs. The parametric studies resulted in the development of a small (1 cm by 50 cm), sealed-off, Brewster window laser whose output power is in excess of 5 W and exists in the TEM sub 00 mode. Measurements of the electron temperature and density in CO2 laser discharges, as well as the effect of an external magnetic field on the output power, are reported.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1967
- Accession Number
- AD0807363
Entities
People
- A. Stevens Halsted
- Peter O. Clark
- William B. Bridges
Organizations
- HRL Laboratories