High Repetition Rate Q-Switched CO sub 2 Laser

摘要

A rotating mirror Q-switched CO sub 2 laser was designed and constructed for use as an excitation source in infrared fluorescence studies. Output power of 33 W was reached in the continuous wave (CW) mode. In the pulsed mode, peak powers of 3 kW and pulse widths of 200 ns FWHM have been measured. The repetition rate may be varied between 275 and 1000 Hz and single line operation is selectable with a diffraction grating. The design is compact and economical. The laser has shown freedom from electrical noise, and average power stability of the order of 1 per cent; it has operated reliably for more than 1000 hours with a minimum of maintenance. (Atomindex citation 13:703182)