Calculation of the energy characteristics of an electric-discharge CO$sub 2$ laser

A model is proposed for the calculation of the output power of a fast- flow electric-discharge CO$sub 2$ laser. The model can be applied to various laser systems (with self-sustaining and non-self-sustaining discharges, with addition of CO$sub 2$ after passing through the discharge zone and without such addition). Quasi-one-dimensional equations of gasdynamics are solved numerically together with equations of vibrational kinetics and allowance is made for the electrical excitation and stimulated transitions. An example of a calculation dealing with a CO$sub 2$+N$sub 2$+He laser is given. (AIP)