Pulsed carbon dioxide laser with an output energy of 15 J

A CO₂ laser with an output energy of 15 J per pulse was built. The output energy and the efficiency were determiend as a function of the energy supplied to the gas and the influence of substances with a low ionization potential was studied. A homogeneous discharge was extremely stable in the pressure range 0.2–2 atm. The pressure corresponding to the output energy maximum could be shifted in the range 0.3–1.3 atm by altering the amount of He in the gas mixture.