Operation of a small high-pressure laser using 13CO2

Abstract

The operating characteristics of a tunable, high-pressure laser operating with 13CO2 and 12CO2 are described. The laser was of a size comparable to those in operation with easily transportable rangefinders and lidars. It was operated at 2.4 atm and measurements were made of the spectral output, as well as the peak power and pulse duration.

CO 2 Laser Gain And Energy Extraction Using 12 C And 13 C Isotopes

“…[6] In conclusion, it has been determined that for shorter pulse durations, a higher gain and energy extraction can be achieved using 13CO2 given the relevant total pressure, gas mix ratio, transition band, and pump energy.…”

“…Fox and Ahl [6] have investigated the peak power and energy output of a tunable, high pressure (2.4 atm) laser using either 12 CO2 or 13 CO2 gas mixes. They report comparable output energy for the IP and IR(18) and IP and IR(20) transitions, but a substantially lower energy output for the II band when using 13 CO2 .…”

“…Fox and Ahl [6] have investigated the peak power and energy output of a tunable, high pressure (2.4 atm) laser using either 12CO2 or 13CO2 gas mixes.…”

“…This is graphically shown in Figure 4. The calculations presented in Figure 3 have been extended to consider the conditions of the Fox and Ahl [6,11] measurements. The calculated curves are for the IP(20) line.…”

“…[5] It is also reported that the energy output under pulsed conditions varies with the specific lasing band. [6] Experimental measurements and a kinetic modeling analysis have been used to evaluate the performance of 12CO2 and 13CO2 laser gas mixes. These results are used to determine the effects of pulse length, gas composition, and total pressure on peak gain and energy extraction.…”