Limiting processes in sealed photoionisation TEA CO2lasers

Abstract

The processes which limit long-life-sealed operation of TEA CO₂ lasers which are photopreionised with UV emission from sliding-spark arrays have been investigated. Successful operation (>10⁵ pulses) depends on maximising the photoemission, limiting the delay time between the preionisation and main discharges, the judicious addition of CO to limit fast attachment involving O₂, the use of uncontaminated CO and limitation of the CO₂ content of the gas mixture.