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The output characteristics of a toric unstable resonator fitted to a multichannel stripline excitation system are presented. The resonator is shown to possess the usual advantages of a conventional unstable resonator plus the ability to modify the profile of the output beam by a simple change in the coupling aperture. Laser output parameters have been studied as a function of coupling fraction, magnification, and internal loss factors. Variations in the focal spot size as a function of the coupling aperture as well as resonator alignment sensitivity and polarization properties have been investigated.

Phase locking in an extended-area, multichannel, radial array, carbon dioxide laser has been investigated. Preliminary self-phase-locking percentages as high as 62% were achieved with the device. The phase-locking mechanism was determined to be the mutual optical coupling present within the central region of this geometry. As such, this region acted as a core oscillator to initiate a fundamental optical mode within each individual discharge slot.

Experimental results on a unique multichannel slab-type CO2 discharge system are presented. The interdigital discharge geometry incorporates both large-area and multibeam laser array concepts into a single, compact package. Small signal gain and saturation intensity values indicate that this structure is well suited for use in a CO2 laser.