MULTICHANNEL SLAB CO2-LASER EXCITATION WITH RESONANT CAVITIES

A unique way of driving a multi-channel RF excited slab laser is prese nted. Resonant cavity techniques are employed to provide high power sp litting and impedance transformation. Uniform and isolated power divis ion was observed in eight discharge channels, stacked in a radial arra y, referred to as the Zodiac geometry. Impedance matching networks wer e not necessary as the RF cavity splitter creates a near ideal voltage source capable of driving any impedance. With 8 out of the 24 electro des driven in the radial array, optical powers in excess of 1.2 kW hav e been observed at efficiencies of 12%. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Sc ience Ltd.