Radio-frequency-excited carbon dioxide metal waveguide laser

Abstract
A new type of waveguide laser is described in which a single-surface concave metal waveguide also doubles as the grounded electrode in a radio-frequency-excited gaseous discharge. The laser’s output modes and spectrum have been studied theoretically and experimentally for cw CO2 operation of the laser. Overall operating efficiency and mode stability are comparable with those of conventional dielectric waveguide CO2 lasers, and advantages of the metal waveguide laser include convection cooling, intracavity mode control, and partial self-alignment.

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