Pulsed TEA CO2 laser with an input energy density of 1.1 kJ/liter stabilized by a double preliminary discharge

A simple and reliable laboratory model of a TEA CO₂ laser with photopreionization by a double discharge was constructed. The current-voltage characteristics and the influence of the addition of easily ionized mixtures on the discharge stability were investigated. The maximum input energy achieved was 1.1 kJ/liter; the corresponding laser output energy was 60 J/liter.