Observations of small-signal gain in high-pressure pulsed CO electric discharge laser

Measurements are reported of the magnitude and temporal behavior of small-signal gain in a pulsed high-pressure carbon monoxide electric discharge laser. These are compared with predictions derived from kinetic modeling calculations. Maximum gain of 4.5 percent/cm was measured on the 9P(10) and 8P(10) transitions. The measurements and calculations support the hypothesis that resonance absorption by overlapping transitions is the mechanism responsible for gain suppression on certain lines. (U.S.)