Abstract A gas laser charged with a mixture of helium-air-methane, operable in both the Q-switched and CW mode, forms vibrationally excited CO molecules by the electric discharge induced chemical oxidation of methane. The resulting laser output provides at least 80 laser emission lines in the region from 4.7848 to 5.8532 microns, with 20 lines below 5 microns. Multiline pulse powers greater than two kilowatts may be obtained from the molecules formed by the electrochemical reaction. The lines result from P(J)v,v vibration-rotational transitions in the formed CO with J ranging from 10 to 15 nominally and v,v'' ranging from 2:1 to 16: 15. Simultaneous lasing of both the formed CO and CO2 molecules may be obtained by using two different temperatures of cooling (approximately -200*C for one portion of the tube and approximately -80*C for the remainder) of the laser tube to provide additional emission lines in the 9 to 13 micron range.
The laser as claimed in claim 1 wherein the said gas of the methane series is CH4.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
17 words
The laser as claimed in claim 1 wherein the said gas oF the methane series is C3H8.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
130 words
A gas laser simultaneously lasing carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide comprising; a. means forming an enclosed space; b. a gaseous mixture comprising He-air-CH4; c. means for introducing said gaseous mixture into said enclosed space; d. means for forming in said enclosed space, at least two separate portions; e. means for cooling a first portion of said enclosed space to approximately -200*c; f. means for cooling a second portion of said enclosed space to approximately -80*C; g. means for supplying a direct current excitation field to said gaseous mixture to electrochemically form CO gas for lasing in said first portion and CO2 gas for lasing in said second portion; and h. optical resonant cavity means positioned about said enclosed space for resonating and coupling coherent radiation from said gas laser media.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
The laser as claimed in claim 4 wherein the pressure in said enclosed space is approximately 4 torr.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
30 words
The laser as claimed in claim 5 further comprising means for exhausting said gaseous mixture from said enclosed space; and means for flowing said gaseous mixture through said enclosed space.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
135 words
A gas laser for lasing carbon monoxide at a plurality of wavelengths below 5 microns comprising: a. a gas laser tube having a gas inlet and a gas outlet and terminated at each end with Brewster angled windows; b. a gaseous mixture of He-air-CH4; c. means for introducing said gaseous mixture into said inlet at an approximate pressure of 4 torr; d. means for flowing said gas mixture through said enclosed space at a flow rate of approximately 35 liters per minute; e. means for generating a direct current electric discharge in said laser tube to electrochemically form a CO gas laser medium; f. means for cooling said laser tube to approximately -200*C; and g. optical resonant cavity means positioned about said enclosed space for resonating and for coupling coherent radiation from said laser medium.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
The gas laser as claimed in claim 7 wherein the said gaseous mixture of He-air-CH4 is in the ratio of approximately 168:4:1 respectively.