Simplified three-dimensional model of a fast-flow CO2 amplifier

A description is provided of an approach which can reduce the initial partial differential equations, which describe a fast-flow CO₂ amplifier, to a set of ordinary differential equations. This approach is then used to write an interactive program for three-dimensional modeling of a fast-flow CO₂ amplifier. This program is intended for a personal computer of the AT-286 type. The validity of the model is confirmed by a comparison with a complete three-dimensional diffraction model. The interactive program is used to find the optimal concentration of CO₂ which ensures the maximum brightness for amplifiers of lengths 2 and 4 m.