Published In

Applied Optics

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

5-1-1989

Subjects

Lasers, Wave guides, Optoelectronic devices -- Technological innovations

Abstract

A novel design for a dc-excited cw CO₂ metal waveguide laser has been developed in which a slotted hollow cathode also doubles as a metal waveguide for the cavity modes. This design has been implemented in a compact structure that produces over 1 W of cw 10.6-µm radiation. The discharge characteristics, laser gain, and laser output have been studied as functions of various discharge parameters. The advantages of the transverse discharge of the slotted hollow cathode geometry include low voltage, positive impedance, rugged structure, and high optical gain. Overall efficiency is comparable with that of conventional longitudinal CO² lasers. The output laser modes are clean low-order Hermite-Gaussian or Airy function modes.

Description

This paper was published in Applied Optics and is made available as an electronic reprint with the permission of OSA. The paper can be found at the following URL on the OSA website: http://www.opticsinfobase.org/ao/abstract.cfm?URI=ao-28-10-1897. Systematic or multiple reproduction or distribution to multiple locations via electronic or other means is prohibited and is subject to penalties under law.

Persistent Identifier

http://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/8139

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