A carbon dioxide slab laser includes a pair of cooled metal electrodes disposed to form a gap of less than about 3 millimeters. The electrode surfaces on either side of the gap are polished and highly reflectant. A radio frequency discharge is provided between the electrodes to pass through gas disposed in the gap which is suitable for laser action. Cooling of the gases between the electrodes is achieved by conduction to the metal surfaces of the electrodes. Contrary to conventional flowing gas lasers, the two electrodes both reflect and guide the laser light and serve to cool the gas by conduction.
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