Pulse-periodic rf-excited waveguide CO2 laser with a continuously tunable output frequency

A report is given of the development of a pulse-periodic rf-waveguide CO₂ laser with a continuously tunable output frequency, and of an investigation of its characteristics. It was found that when the lasing frequency was detuned from the center of the transition line there was no reduction in the radiation peak power level, which was 25 W in the entire tuning range ( ± 400 MHz). The influence of the pump pulse duration on the laser radiation pulse shape is considered.