Short CO2 laser pulse generation by optical free induction decay

Abstract
Short CO2 laser pulses, adjustable in the range between 0.1 and 0.5 nsec, have been produced by a new pulse‐shaping technique. A laser breakdown spark is the active switching element, but the pulse is actually generated by optical free induction decay in a passive linear medium. This approach features simplicity, fast rise time, high contrast ratio, unity switching efficiency, and is suitable as the input to high‐power amplifier stages.