Linear array of self-focusing CO/sub 2/ waveguide lasers

A novel design is described for a phase-coupled linear array of hollow dielectric waveguide lasers using self-focusing waveguides. An analytical form of the eigenmodes of such an array has been worked out. Tests on a small linear array of RF-excited CO/sub 2/ lasers are reported that demonstrate very fair agreement between theoretical computations and experimental results. Experimental results are also given on the coupling between the modes of the individual guides.>