On the temperature model of CO2 lasers

A refined temperature model of CO₂ lasers is presented, which takes into account the fact that vibrational modes of the CO₂ molecule have the common ground vibrational level. New formulas for the occupation numbers and the vibrational energy storage in individual modes are obtained as well as expressions relating the vibrational temperatures of the CO₂ molecules with the excitation and relaxation rates of lower vibrational levels of modes upon excitation of the CO₂–N₂–He mixture in an electric discharge. The character of dependences of the vibrational temperatures on the discharge current is discussed.