Electron swarm parameters in CO2laser gas mixtures

Abstract
Electron swarm parameters for gas mixtures used in CO2 lasers have been measured experimentally for the first time, using a new UHV discharge chamber specially constructed for the purpose. Studies have been made on six laser gas mixtures with He, N2 and CO2 in the ratio 3:1:2, 8:1:1, 3:2:1, 30:7:1, 3:1/4:1, 3:1:1. Measurements of ionization coefficient and the ratio of radial diffusion coefficient to mobility in the range 14.1<or=E/N<or=282 Td are reported. A comparison is made with the theoretical calculations of Lowke et al. (1973); the experimental values are about 50% lower than the theoretical predictions at high E/N.