Theoretical investigation of the regenerative amplification of ultrashort pulses in a high-pressure transverse electric CO2 laser

: We have developed a theoretical model for the regenerative amplification of ultrashort mid-infrared radiation in high-pressure transverse electric discharge CO2 lasers. This model is based on counter-propagating wave equations that are combined with Boltzmann equation, six-temperature, and circuit-coupled kinetic models. For the first time to our knowledge, the effect of spontaneous emission is taken into account. The model describes noise behavior, contrast ratio, and self-lasing of amplified spontaneous emission. The proposed scheme allows the attainment of a few-picosecond pulse with GW-level peak power and contrast ratio on the order of 106 in the 9 μm range.