Repetitively pulsed DF laser with a pulse repetition rate up to 1200 Hz and an average output power of ~25 W

The operation of an electric-discharge repetitively pulsed DF laser with an 8 – 10-mm discharge gap and a working mixture circulating along a closed gas-dynamic channel is experimentally studied. The main laser parameters and the experiments are described, and the experimental results are analysed. The reasons for the decrease in the output pulse amplitude and lasing suppression at high pulse repetition rates are discussed. The acoustic waves arising due to the repetitively pulsed initiation of the mixture were shown to be the principal factor reducing the average output power at high pulse repetition rates and leading to the output instability and even to lasing suppression. The methods for the suppression of the perturbations, resulting in an increase in the output power are described. An average output power of 25 – 30 W was achieved for a pulse repetition rate of up to 1200 Hz and a technical efficiency of ~2%.