Construction and Operation of a Double-Discharge TEA CO2 Laser

Abstract

We have operated a double-discharge transversely excited atmospheric pressure (TEA) CO2 laser with a Marx bank system at high output energies and efficiencies over a large discharge volume. The typical laser energy output is approximately 17 J/liter at an efficiency of 24% and a pulse-to-pulse variation of less than 10%. The parameters that govern the operation of the system are discussed.