Dynamics of frequency-selective operation of a CO laser tunable in a wide spectral range

This paper presents a computational/theoretical analysis of the generation of a single pulse by a frequency-selective electron-beam sustained discharge CO laser. The calculations have been performed using a theoretical model in which the entire set of VV exchange processes involving CO molecules at high vibrational levels is taken into full account. We present calculated pulse shapes for a wide range of transitions, including transitions between high vibrational levels, and examine the possibility of raising the laser output intensity by optimising the density and composition of the gain medium. (paper)