Promising systems and methods for pumping high-power technological CO2 lasers (review)

An analysis is made of the prospects for developing high-power gas-discharge technological CO₂ lasers. The procedures for cooling the active medium, possible gasdynamic and optical systems, and pumping methods are reviewed. The physical and technical problems of using gas discharges in laser devices are considered. The ultimate parameters and operating characteristics of various types of technological laser and of their most suitable fields of application are discussed.