Tunable TEA CO₂ laser using tubulous preionizer

Tunable transversely excited atmospheric-pressure (TEA) CO2 laser has potential applications in laser radar, laser chemistry and laser propulsion. A new type of preionizer used in tunable TEA CO2 laser was investigated. With the means of grating line selection, tunable laser output was realized by grating resonator. On the condition that the output coupling efficiency is 50% and the pressure is 40 kPa, the maximal electro-optical efficiency of 10P(20),10R(20),9P(20) and 9R(20) lines is 9.5%, 9.7%, 9.8% and 9.8%, respectively. When the gas pressure is 30 kPa and the output coupling efficiency is 50%, the repetition rate is 190 Hz of the highest value. At the same time, the average power of 10P(20),10R(20),9P(20) and 9R(20) lines is 332, 321, 340 and 338 W, respectively