The influence of xenon on sealed-off CO2lasers

The role of xenon as a gas additive in sealed-off CO2-N2-He and CO2-He lasers has been investigated. Maximum Output power and maximum efficiency are increased by about 25 percent and 15 percent, respectively. The operating conditions of the lasers shift to higher currents with an accompanying 20 to 25 percent decrease in discharge voltage. An operating life of 2800 hours has been demonstrated by a sealed-off CO2-Xe-He-laser. Comparative measurements have been made of the electron temperature and electron density in CO2-N2- He and CO2-Xe-He laser discharges. With gas pressures and current adjusted for optimum laser performance, CO2-Xe-He discharge is characterized by a higher (∼45 percent) electron density.