Stability region studies of CO2 gas laser mixture RF capacitative discharges

Results on the stability regions of alpha (alpha) to gamma (gamma) transiti on for CO2 gas laser mixture 3He:1CO(2):1N(2) RF capacitative discharges wi th and without the addition of Xe are presented in terms of current, voltag e and power characteristics. Measurements have also been made of the mean e lectron energy, neutral gas temperature and time averaged visible emission for different electrode separations, frequencies and intermediate pressures . It is found that the:Xe addition has increased the neutral gas temperatur e and transition input power, while it has decreased the mean electron ener gy and transition voltage. The time averaged visible emission has shown str ong CO and NO emission from the discharge.