Closed‐cycle performance of a high‐power electric‐discharge laser

The performance characteristics of a large‐volume CO2 electric‐discharge convection laser operating in a closed‐cycle mode are described. The use of a combined dc and rf excitation field and aerodynamic stabilization techniques resulted in the attainment of a stable and homogeneous discharge. Operating in a master oscillator‐power amplifier mode, continuous‐output power levels greater than 20 kW have been achieved for extended periods of time, with a maximum optical power of 27.2 kW at an efficiency of 17.2%.