Simulation of the output characteristics and propagation of radiation from a CO laser with a selection cell

An investigation was made of the influence of an intracavity absorption cell containing water vapour on the spectral and energy characteristics of an electron-beam-controlled discharge-pumped CO laser. The absorption coefficients of laser radiation travelling along a model path containing dried air were calculated. Perturbations of the optical beam along the path was considered under conditions of forced transverse motion of air in the case of unmodified radiation and of radiation with a selected spectrum.