Repetitive operation of switchless transverse flow transversely excited atmosphere CO2 lasers

Abstract

The enhanced preionisation efficiency of a mutually coupled parallel spark preioniser has been exploited to achieve switchless operation of a transversely excited atmosphere (TEA) CO(2) laser in the conventional transverse gas flow configuration. This made the laser more compatible to repetitive operation and the satisfactory performance of a switchless TEA CO(2) laser of ~8 cc active volume is reported here up to a maximum repetition rate of 100 Hz at a gas replenishment factor of ~2.

Performance of a surface corona preionized mini-TEA CO2 laser

“…One important factor in achieving efficient operation of a TEA CO 2 laser is designing an effective pre-ionization system for the discharge volume [12]. Several techniques have been employed for pre-ionization in TEA CO 2 lasers, but the most common technique is photo-ionization by UV radiation generated by auxiliary spark discharges [13,14]. In this technique arrays of spark gaps are arranged next to the discharge electrodes which, when fired prior to the application * Author to whom any correspondence should be addressed.…”