Efficient high-power CH3F amplifier for a 496-μm cavity laser

Abstract
A CH3F amplifier has been constructed for use with a narrow‐linewidth pulsed 496‐μm CH3F cavity laser. The power conversion ratio of the amplifier, defined as the ratio of 496‐μm power emitted to CO2 power absorbed, had a maximum value of (4.7±2.5) ×10−3 at a CH3F gas pressure of 0.1 Torr. The highest average power, 6±1 kW, was produced by the oscillator‐amplifier laser system when the amplifier was run with a CH3F gas pressure of 0.9 Torr. At this pressure the power conversion ratio of the amplifier was (1.8±1.0) ×10−3. Analysis of the gain data yields values for the small‐signal gain and saturation intensity as a function of CH3F gas pressure.