Improved performance of fast-axial-flow, RF-discharge-excited, room-temperature CO laser with Kr-added mixtures

The fast-axial-flow RF-discharge-excited, room-temperature CO laser greatly increased the specific output power, from 2.2 W/cm(3) (electrical conversi on efficiency: 9.5%) in the absence of Kr gas to 3.9 W/cm(3) (electrical co nversion efficiency: 16.5%), by adding Kr gas to the laser gas. Kr addition is considered to have various effects, including the increase in the vibra tional excitation efficiency of CO molecules due to the lowering of mean el ectron energy, the increase in electron density, and reduction in CO2 conce ntration due to the decrease in electrically excited CO molecules. Among th ese effects, the increase in vibrational excitation efficiency and electron density have been found to be significant. The effect is improved up to ov er 80% of the Xe addition effect.