Combustion-driven supersonic rf-pumped CO laser

Lasing in a combustion-driven supersonic electric-discharge CO laser is reported for the first time. The output power of this laser is ≈12 W, and its electrooptic efficiency is about 0.12% (the low efficiency is due to the particular design of the cavity). The achievement of a uniform rf discharge in the supersonic flow and the achievement of lasing on the basis of combustion products demonstrate that it is possible to develop efficient, high-power carbon monoxide lasers.