Method and apparatus for tuning high power lasers

Claim 1

In a high power pulsed gas laser of the type having an optically resonant cavity filled with a first gas capable of lasing at natural frequencies characteristic of said first gas, the cavity being bounded at one end by a rear reflector, the improvement comprising means for tuning said laser to a desired frequency, said tuning means including a gas cell mounted within said cavity adjacent to said rear reflector, said gas cell containing a second gas at a desired pressure and capable of reducing the gain of the natural lasing frequencies of said first gas; a second low power laser adapted to be operated at said desired frequency; a focusing lens; said rear reflector provided with a small centrally positioned hole with a desired diameter; and means for directing the output of said second laser through said focusing lens and through said rear reflector hole into said gas cell and cavity, whereby said second laser acting in conjunction with said gas cell in said high power laser effects the tuning of said high power laser to said desired frequency of said second laser without the loss of power in the output of said high power laser.