Abstract
In this paper the operation of a helical TE N2 laser is reported which, according to its radial gain profile caused by the helical electrode geometry, produces a circular symmetric laser beam that is easily focused by ordinary spherical optics. Exhibiting a circular beam cross section together with a 20‐mm near‐field beam diameter the helical TE N2 laser generates output pulse peak powers of typically 480 kW within a pulse width (FWHM) of 5 ns. We believe the device is the first helical TE N2 laser producing output data that favorably compare with those of conventional designs.

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