CO2 gas laser excitation and gain

Calculations of laser-beam amplification have been made by integration of energy-conservation equations using excitation rates and interlevel vibrational-energy-exchange rates. The vibrational-energy-level populations were used in laser gain equations. Excitation rates were determined by integration of the Boltzmann equation to obtain the electron energy distribution. The excitation cross sections were taken from Phelp's work, and the potential gradient per molecule (E / N) was determined by solution of the current continuity equation using transport constants derived by methods described by Phelps. The laser gain equations were then used to predict the optimum laser energy storage, which was about 10% of the electrical energy supplied. This is not a strong function of any single parameter except time and E / N.