Abstract

Design, construction, and operational characteristics of an alternative type of high-power industrial laser is presented. The approach features a multiplicity of diffusion-cooled gain channels, arranged in a radial geometry similar to the Zodiac astrological symbol. Extended area CO₂ active media, contained within a plurality of wide but narrow-gap metallic electrodes, is uniformly pumped by a multi-channel, magnetic-loop-coupled, resonant cavity RF system built integrally with the laser body.

© 1994 IEEE