Gain characteristics of a MAGPIE coaxial CO2laser system

Gain coefficient measurements of a MAGPIE (magnetically stabilized, photoinitiated, impulse-enhanced, electrically excited) coaxial CO
2
laser discharge are presented. The effects of gas composition, input power, pulser ionization, and magnetic field on gain are examined. Measurements of the radial gain profile and saturation intensity are also discussed. A maximum small-signal gain of 0.30 m
^-1
is observed, along with a saturation intensity of 190 W/cm
²
.