14- and 16-μ gasdynamic CO2 lasers

Laser action at 16 μ has been obtained between the (02°0) and (0110) levels as well as between the (10°0) and (0110) levels at 14 μ. A 9- or 10-μ saturating pulse equilibrates the (001) level with either the (02°0) or (10°0) level and creates the transient 14- or 16-μ inversion. Extraction efficiencies of 20% have been achieved on a single pulse. Repetition frequencies of 200 Hz have been achieved using a single Q-switched cavity.