Maximum output energy of an electron-beam-controlled CO2 laser

An experimental and theoretical investigation was made of an electron-beam-controlled CO₂ laser operating under conditions ensuring the maximum output energy. This energy exceeded 1000 J per pulse. Overheating of the active mixture and the development of electric discharges in the active region at high pump powers limited the specific output energy to 75–80 J·liter^–1atm^–1.