This paper analyzes the following processes under the condition of magnetic
ally confined discharge: (1) the change of electron energy distribution of
CO gas discharge system, (2) the impact excitation rates of electron for th
e vibrations of the CO molecules, and (3) the vibrational-state populations
of CO molecule and small-signal gain. Magnetic held having been added, the
electron density increases greatly in the energy region corresponding to t
he maximum electron impact cross-sections of CO molecule. The electron impa
ct excitation rates increase. The vibrational-state populations of CO molec
ule and the laser small-signal gain of every vibrational level increase tha
n that without magnetic field on vibrational bands observed. (C) 2000 Elsev
ier Science B.V. All rights reserved.