Investigation of the gain of active media utilizing atomic copper transitions

The results are given of an experimental investigation of the gain of active media utilizing transitions from the resonance level to metastable levels in copper atoms in a master-oscillator-amplifier laser system. The dependences of the gain on the input-signal power density and on the time separation between the masteroscillator and amplifier pumping pulses were determined, together with those of the output power of the system on the active-medium temperature, the buffer-gas pressure, and a number of other parameters. The measurements were carried out at average amplifier output powers in the range 5–30 W. An amplifier utilization efficiency of 95% was achieved.