NOVEL MAGNETIC-SPIKER SUSTAINER EXCITATION CIRCUIT FOR A MULTIJOULE TE CO2-LASER

Successful operation of a multijoule output TE CO2 laser using a new m agnetic-spiker sustainer excitation circuit is reported. The use of th e new excitation circuit has resulted in a significant reduction (appr oximately 90%) in the amount of sustainer pulse energy that has to pas s through the magnetic switch. In addition, the new circuit technique allows operation of the discharge at reduced voltage (approximately 50 %) and extends the range of excitation current pulse durations (up to approximately 7 mus) over which arc-free discharges can be formed. The laser has produced a typical output of 5 J at an overall efficiency o f approximately 13% from a helium-free gas mixture at a pressure of 40 0 mbar.