A TEA CO2 laser with a peak radiation power of 100 MW

A high-power pulse-periodic TEA CO2 laser is used as a component of a long- range mobile differential absorption lidar. In order to reach the ultimate peak generation power, a system for laser excitation with a supply voltage of +/-40 kV and efficient preionization was developed, allowing the laser t o operate at high pressures of gas mixtures of various compositions. Energy , time, and spatial characteristics of laser radiation were studied. Laser pulses with an energy of >10 J and FWHM duration of similar to 30 ns were o btained. The ultimate peak laser radiation power is 100 MW, and the maximum efficiency with respect to the discharge-consumed energy is 12.6%.