Spectral and temporal characteristics of a pulsed atmospheric-pressure electron-beam-controlled CO2 laser with a cryogenically cooled active mixture

The emission spectrum of an atmospheric-pressure electron-beam-controlled CO₂ laser with a cryogenically cooled active medium was investigated experimentally and theoretically. Systematic experimental data were obtained on the dynamics of the lasing spectrum of such a laser when the initial temperature of the active mixture was in the range 190–290 K. A theoretical model ensured a satisfactory agreement with the experimental results. The finite rotational relaxation time had to be taken into account to provide a correct description of the dynamics of the emission spectrum of such lasers.