A tea CO{sub}2 laser with a peak radiation power of 100 MW

摘要

A high-power pulse-periodic TEA CO{sub}2 laser is used as a component of a long-range mobile differential absorption lidar. In order to reach the ultimate peak generation power, a system for laser excitation with a supply voltage of ±40 kV and efficient preionizaion was developed, allowing the laser to operate at high pressures of gas mixtures of various compositions. Energy, time, and spatial characteristics of laser radiation were studied. Laser pulses with an energy of >10 J and FWHM duration of ～30 ns were obtained. The ultimate peak laser radiation power is 100 MW, and the maximum efficiency with respect to the discharge-consumed energy is 12.6%.