High-average power-pulsed performance of a multikilowatt PIE laser

The application of a burst-mode pulsed discharge technique to a large-volume, multikilowatt, PIE (photo-initiated, impulse-enhanced, electrically excited) carbon dioxide laser is described. A factor of two enhancement in average output power, up to the 10 kW level, was obtained using a burst duration of 1.2 ms and a repetition rate of 500 burst/s. The small signal-gain increased to essentially double that of the normal continuous-wave value. Gain profile information, together with details of the laser's power performance, as a function of various discharge parameters, is illustrated. These data clearly document the versatility of this unique and cost-effective burst-mode laser excitation process.< >