PASSIVE <i>Q</i>-SWITCHING OF A CO2 LASER

Abstract

Passive Q-switching of a CO2–N2–He laser has been obtained, using SF6 gas as the saturable absorber. Peak power is 1 kW, in what appears to be a single transverse mode. This is 200 times the CW level for the same configuration and one-fifth that obtained with a mechanical Q switch. Pulse rates are in the range 103 to 104 pulses per sec. Operation is on a single vibrational-rotational line, unlike the case of CW operation.