Energy characteristics of cw gas-discharge lasers utilizing self-terminating atomic transitions. II. Calculation of lasing characterisics

Calculations are made of the active medium gains and efficiencies, and of the specific laser output powers due to self-terminating transitions in atoms in cw gas discharge lasers utilizing Ca, Sr, Ba, Cu, Au, and Mn vapors. The calculated and experimental lasing characteristics in a quasi-cw barium vapor laser are compared. The calculated gain values range from tenths of to a few reciprocal centimeters, the specific laser output powers are 0.1–10 W/cm³, and the maximum efficiencies are 0.2–2%. Estimates are made of the transverse dimensions of the laser discharge systems required to obtain a high specific laser output power.