Acoustic waves in transversely excited atmospheric CO2 laser discharges: effect on performance and reduction techniques

Hubertus M. von Bergmann; Andrew Forbes; Ted Roberts; Lourens Rasmus Botha

doi:10.1117/1.2968227

1 August 2008 Acoustic waves in transversely excited atmospheric CO₂ laser discharges: effect on performance and reduction techniques

Hubertus M. von Bergmann, Andrew Forbes, Ted Roberts, Lourens Rasmus Botha

Author Affiliations +

Optical Engineering, Vol. 47, Issue 8, 084202 (August 2008). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.2968227

Abstract

Results are presented on the influence of acoustic waves on the performance of high-repetition-rate TEA CO₂ lasers. It is shown that acoustic waves generated inside the laser cavity lead to nonuniform discharges, resulting in a deterioration of the laser beam quality, decreased output energy, and an increase in pulse-to-pulse energy variation. The effect of the gas mix on the acoustic behavior is investigated, and experimental results on laser performance across a range of gas mixtures are presented. Methods to reduce the effects of acoustic waves are presented together with experimental results. The influence of acoustic damping measures on laser gain are demonstrated, showing a significant improvement in gain and output power at high pulse repetition rates.

©(2008) Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE)

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Hubertus M. von Bergmann, Andrew Forbes, Ted Roberts, and Lourens Rasmus Botha "Acoustic waves in transversely excited atmospheric CO₂ laser discharges: effect on performance and reduction techniques," Optical Engineering 47(8), 084202 (1 August 2008). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.2968227

Published: 1 August 2008

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