Prospects for using an ac discharge for pumping fast-flow closed-cycle CO₂ processing lasers

Experimental determinations were made of the ultimate input energies to a 10 kHz ac discharge, having an interelectrode separation of 10 cm, for different active mixtures. The energy inputs and the gains of the medium were measured in a closed-cycle device. Estimates were obtained of the rate at which the active mixture must be renewed in order to maintain the stability of the amplifying properties of the medium. The advantages of ac discharge pumping are discussed and it is concluded that it shows great promise for high-power closed-cycle processing lasers.