Abstract :
CW and pulse measurement distinguish between ion-drift gas pumping effects [1],[2] and other factors affecting laser output as a function of the confining magnetic field for large diameter (> 5 mm) ionized gas lasers. With pulse lengths too short for pumping to occur laser operation optimizes at 400 gauss, whereas in CW operation the optimum magnetic field may be > 2600 gauss (at low pressures).