Design and performance of a high repetition rate TEA CO2 laser

The design and operational characteristics of a high repetition rate TEA CO2 laser are described. The laser operates at variable pulse repetition frequencies up to 100 Hz. Stable operation is obtained in a closed cycle which includes a gas mixture regenerator. Energies of up to 10 J/pulse are obtained in pulses having 25 MW peak powers. Average powers as high as 500 W are reached at the maximum pulse repetition frequency. The performance of optical components at various pulse repetition frequencies is presented.