Optical history of the high-energy gas dynamic laser

The review starts with the basic kinetics involved in the power-extraction process in a typical CO(2)-N2 gas dynamic laser (GDL) system, with emphasis on parameters influencing optical resonator design. Devices developed during the later 1960s through the 1980s are described briefly. Power-extraction techniques with stable and unstable resonators, as well as integral master oscillator power amplifier are covered. Attention is focused on parameter analyses including the effects of gain, media index of refraction changes, mirror and coating distortion, and resonator-mirror misalignments. The major steps of an airborne laser laboratory (ALL) GDL program are outlined, and experimental laser device, split stage demonstrator, and ALL GDL diagnostics are discussed.