Pulse-periodic CF4 laser with circulation of the working gas

A pulse-periodic CF₄ laser with circulation of the working gas was constructed and investigated. The CF₄ molecules were pumped optically by a pulse-periodic CO₂ laser of moderate power (up to 1 kW). The CF₄ gas was circulated through the laser cell by a specially developed centrifugal compressor. When the gas velocity was 22 m/sec, the maximum output power (0.6 W) of the CF₄ laser was obtained when the pulse repetition frequency was 110 Hz. Stabilization of the frequency of the CO₂ laser increased the average output power of the CF₄ laser radiatiion to 2.5 W.