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Gas Lasers

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Laser Physics and Technology

Part of the book series: Springer Proceedings in Physics ((SPPHY,volume 160))

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Abstract

The field of gas lasers, started with the invention of He–Ne laser in 1961, has witnessed tremendous growth in terms of technology development, research into gaseous gain medium, resonator physics and application in widely diverse arenas. This was possible due to high versatility of gas lasers in terms of operating wavelengths, power, beam quality and mode of operation. In recent years, there is a definite trend to replace the gas lasers, wherever possible, by more efficient and compact solid-state lasers. However, for many industrial, medical and military applications, the gas lasers still rule the roost due to their high-power capabilities with good beam quality at specific wavelengths. This chapter presents a short review covering the operating principle, important technical details and application potential of all the important gas lasers such as He–Ne, CO2, argon ion, copper vapour, excimer and chemical lasers. These neutral atoms, ions and molecule gas lasers are discussed as per applicable electrical, chemical and optical excitation schemes. The optically pumped gas lasers, recently experiencing resurgence, are discussed in the context of far infrared THz molecular lasers, diode-pumped alkali lasers and optically pumped gas-filled hollow-core fibre lasers.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laser Systems Engineering Section, Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology (RRCAT), Indore, India

    S. K. Dixit

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  1. S. K. Dixit
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Correspondence to S. K. Dixit .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Laser Biomedical Applications & Instrumentation Division, Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India

    Pradeep Kumar Gupta

  2. Laser Systems Engineering Section, Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India

    Rajeev Khare

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Dixit, S.K. (2015). Gas Lasers. In: Gupta, P., Khare, R. (eds) Laser Physics and Technology. Springer Proceedings in Physics, vol 160. Springer, New Delhi. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-81-322-2000-8_3

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