Analysis of the dynamics of a mechanical <i>Q</i>-switched CO2 laser: Six-temperature model

Abstract

A six-temperature kinetic model for a CO2-N2-He system is used to describe the dynamic processes of a mechanical Q-switched CO2 laser that is set up using a fast chopper. We put special emphasis on the effect of dynamical parameters on the laser intensity. It takes into account the effects of electrical excitation, energy transfer processes, thermal energy transport, as well as the dissociation of CO2 molecules and rotational relaxation of rotational levels. The results calculated are in satisfactory agreement with experimental data.