INFLUENCE OF XENON ON CO2 LASER PLASMAS

Abstract

Measurements are reported showing the influence of xenon on the discharge properties of CO₂ lasers. Small admixtures of xenon lower the electron temperature considerably and it is possible to operate the CO₂ laser without nitrogen and with little decrease in output power for low flow rates or sealed‐off operation. The influence of added CO is reported briefly. It is proposed that direct electronic excitation to the vibrational levels of CO and consequent vibrational energy transfer from the CO (v = 1) to the CO₂ upper laser level is the most important mechanism when N₂ is absent.