Multiple pass unstable resonator for an annular gain CO2 laser

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Laser Physics
• Plasma Physics

Background:

• Development of advanced optical resonators is critical for efficient laser power extraction.
• Coaxial discharge geometries present unique challenges and opportunities for laser design.
• Pulsed Ionization Excitation (PIE) and magnetic stabilization are key areas in plasma-based lasers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the design, construction, and operation of a novel optical resonator for annular gain media.
• To investigate laser power extraction in a new coaxial discharge geometry.
• To present the performance and beam characteristics of the developed CO2 laser device.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a folded multipass unstable resonator using lightweight, uncoated diamond-turned aluminum substrates.
• Incorporation of nonself-sustained Pulsed Ionization Excitation (PIE) for the gain medium.
• Implementation of a novel magnetic discharge stabilization technique.
• Characterization of continuous-wave (cw) laser performance and output beam properties.

Main Results:

• Successful design and construction of the optical resonator system.
• Demonstration of effective laser power extraction using the new coaxial discharge geometry.
• Presentation of detailed laser performance metrics and output beam characteristics.

Conclusions:

• The developed optical resonator is suitable for laser power extraction investigations in annular gain media.
• The combination of PIE excitation and magnetic stabilization offers a promising approach for CO2 laser devices.
• The study provides valuable data on the performance and beam quality of this novel laser system.