Gain of Co2 Gasdynamic Lasers

Experimental measurements and theoretical calculations of gain for a cw CO2 gasdynamic laser were made for a CO2, N2, He mixture. A temperature range of 800 to 2000°K, pressure range of 2 to 16 atm, and a complete range of gas mixtures were studied. Optimum gain was achieved at a temperature of 1600°K, a helium mole fraction near 40%, and a CO2 mole fraction of approximately 20%. Gain was essentially independent of pressure.