Recovery of Transient Gain in an Open-Cycle FAF CO2 Laser Amplifier Using Gold Catalyst

Using a gold catalyst placed inside the gas-circulating portion of a FAF CO2 laser amplifier, its transient gain has been significantly improved in an open-cycle operation. Several insertion schemes of the Au catalyst have been examined so as not to spoil the advantages of the FAF system. The periodic doughnut shape of the catalyst has thus far been found to be the most appropriate scheme, resulting in about 12% gain recovery at the steady-state condition. Based on the mass-spectrum analysis of the dissociated CO2 molecules, the gain recovery due to this catalytic effect is theoretically discussed.