Transverse Acoustic Waves in Pulsed Lasers

Transverse acoustic waves in pulsed lasers result from nonuniform pumping transverse to the flow direction. This theoretical study is based on linear acoustics and disregards hot/cold gas interfaces. First, transverse waves in an infinite parallel hard-walled duct are considered, in which case cavity medium inhomogeneity typically decays as t ~ ' / 2 . An idealized treatment is next given to show that exponential decay can be expected with an anode absorber. There is an optimum absorber resistivity and improved attenuation rate results with increased backing volume. Tilted sidewalls are the final topic. Decay is again exponential, and rapid attenuation requires fairly large tilt angles. Examples are chosen to apply to CO2 electric discharge, chemical, and excimer lasers.