Utilization efficiency of the gas flow in pulse-periodic CO2 lasers

The results of experiments on achieving the optimal pulse repetition frequency in a TEA CO₂ laser using transverse gas flow in the velocity range 2–200 m/sec are reported. Measurements of the emitted power and pulse shape at pulse repetition frequencies higher than the optimal value are described and it is shown that attainment of the optimal parameters for pulse-periodic lasers is strongly dependent on the stability of their electric–discharge systems against arc formation.