The gain of transversely excited CO2 lasers at pressures up to 500 Torr

Transverse excitation permits pulse operation of CO 2 lasers at high pressures. We have measured the gain of transversely excited lasers with linear and helical electrode arrangements with various gas mixtures at pressures up to 500 Torr and as a function of time after excitation. Gains in the range 1 to 6 dB m −1 and time constants between 50 and 150 μs are observed. The results are of value in analysis of the behaviour and in the design of lasers of this type.