Use of an extended gas glow discharge in a closed-cycle CO2 laser with convective cooling

An analysis is made of the operating characteristics of a powerful glow discharge used in a CO2 laser system for the pumping of an extended uniform stream of working medium circulating through a closed circuit. The velocity of the medium is 30 m/sec and the pressure is about 20 mm Hg. Difficulties connected with instability and the possibility of pinching of the discharge (conversion into an arc) are overcome. The results of systematic experimental studies of the operating conditions of the discharge are presented. It is shown that the power level achieved (10 W/cm2) depends on the choice of resonator construction and is not limiting for the system selected.