Model of Temperature Effects in Pulsed and Continuous Wave CO2 Lasers and Optimization Using Response Surface Methodology.

摘要

The purpose of this study is to develop models of pulsed and continuous wave (CW) CO2 lasers on a personal computer, and to explore optimization of the computed output power using response surface methodology (RSM). The first program is based on a four-level point model of pulsed CO2 laser that predicts the temperature rise and the effects of temperature on the power, energy, and gain of the pulsed laser. The second program, derived from the first, is based on a four-level point model of a continuous wave CO2 laser and calculates the power, gain, small-signal gain, and saturation flux of the CW laser. Both models were verified and extensively validated against published data with good results. Finally, this study explored the optimization of the CW laser model using RSM and found an operating point for maximum power at 10 torr and 4% CO2. Several recommendations are included for upgrading the CO2 laser models and continuing the optimization. (RRH)