Influence of the spatial inhomogeneity of the field and amplifying medium on the energy characteristics of a gas laser

Allowance is made for the influence of the spatial inhomogeneity of the active medium and radiation field on the output power of a laser in the form of homogeneously and inhomogeneously broadened TEM₀₀ mode lines. A calculation carried out subject to this allowance makes it possible to determine the optimal values of the transmission coefficients of the resonator mirrors and of the degree of occupancy of the active medium by the laser field. It is shown that the inhomogeneities of the active medium and field reduce the efficiency of energy conversion. The calculations are supported by the results of an experimental test carried out on an He–Ne laser (λ=632.8 nm).