Waveguide RF excited 13С16О2- laser tunable from 11.04 to 11.31 µm for lidar applications

We report automated waveguide RF excited 13С16О2 - laser based on Z-shaped resonant cavity. The laser possesses possibility of wavelength tuning from 9.5 to 11.5 μm by means of the cavity's diffraction grating position management. The diffraction grating position is driven by precision motorized linear actuator. The lasing lines of P-branch from 11.04 to 11.31 μm were studied in details. Operating mode selection is performed with specially designed PC software "Tunable CO2 – Laser". P-branch 11P(10) – 11P(32) lines' tuning time does not exceed 3 sec.