rf augmentation in CO2 closed-cycle dc electric-discharge convection lasers

dc electrical power deposition in CO2 closed-cycle electric-discharge convection lasers (EDCL) can be increased to levels characteristic of open-cycle performance by the application of rf (13.7-MHz) auxiliary power. Experiments have been conducted with the radio frequency capacitively coupled into the discharge zone transverse to the dc field through the top and bottom walls of a rectangular laser channel. The effect of rf power on the dc power level and on the small-signal gain coefficient is described.