The CO2laser plasma

Measurements are presented of the electron energy distribution functions in CO2laser plasmas. Limitations of the diagnostic methods are discussed and their importance for the measurements is evaluated. The influence of the components of the laser mixture on the plasma characteristics is investigated; practically all distributions are found to be non-Maxwellian. The effect of the lasing action on the plasma is investigated with time-resolved probe and spectroscopic techniques. It is found that electron-electron interactions are insufficient to relax the distribution function during lasing. The modulation of electronically excited nitrogen levels indicates a strong coupling to the ground levels via the electron gas.