Operating efficiencies in pulsed carbon-dioxide lasers

Computer models of the CO2‐N2‐He laser system usually predict that 20%-33% of the discharge energy should be available as radiation output. Using a comprehensive kinetics model to study vibrational temperatures and stored energies, we find a deterioration in laser efficiency with increasing input energy, due to electron superelastic losses during the excitation pulse. Experimental observations support the calculated vibrational temperatures and likewise our predicted 8%-12% yield efficiency at optimum excitation is in good agreement with the values realized in working lasers.