Investigation of the output parameters of a transversely excited CO2 laser in the wavelength range 4.2–4.5 μm (1001–1000 band)

Optimization of the output parameters of a transversely excited CO₂ laser, emitting in the 4.3 μm wavelength range as a result of 10⁰1(02⁰1)–10⁰0(02⁰0) transitions, was carried out. A specific output energy of ~ 50 μJ/liter was achieved in a simple configuration with ultraviolet preionization. It was found experimentally that the key role in the lasing mechanism could be played by nonlinear optical eifects. Several new transitions in the region of 4.3 μm were observed.