CO₂ laser dynamics by optical modulation of inversion

Abstract

In this paper a method is proposed for studying laser dynamics, which relies on periodical inversion modulation in its active medium with the aid of external radiation. Through the example of a CO₂ laser, the possibilities of this approach are shown in determining the most important dynamic parameters of a laser system, such as the frequency of natural relaxation vibrations, the resonance curve width, the inversion relaxation rate and the saturation parameter. The main advantage of this method is that it does not require the introduction of additional losses into the cavity, yet it permits investigation of the laser transfer characteristics over a wide range of frequencies.

Such measurements are very important in making intracavity investigations. They also make it possible to predict the level of technical fluctuations and to carry out internal modulation and stabilization of the radiation power which is essential in developing laser systems for various practical applications.