Output pulse characteristics and self mode locking of atmospheric-pressure CO2lasers

Abstract

Two atmospheric-pressure CO₂ pulsed lasers have been operated with discharges and resonators designed for fundamental mode operation. Pulse energies of 50% of the maximum multimode energy have been obtained with pulsewidths in the range 40–80 ns and peak powers in excess of 20 MW. Complete self mode locking has been observed with pulse-widths of less than 3 ns.