Improvement of a Corona-Preionized TEA-CO₂ Laser by Means of High-Frequency Corona Discharge

Abstract

It is reported that the input and output energy density of about 220 J/1 and 14 J/1, respectively, are obtained in a corona-preionized TEA-CO2 laser with the superposition of the high-frequency corona discharge (HFCD) on the main discharge. There is an optimum delay time between the initiation of the HFCD current and the main discharge. Also, it is necessary for the HFCD current to have a high peak value, a short-period oscillation and a duration of more than 1 µs to increase the laser output and to suppress the glow-to-arc transition. These conditions for the HFCD current are satisfied by the reduction of both resistance and inductance in the HFCD circuit.