A high-power CO2laser radar transmitter

Experiments on the amplification of CW and pulsed infrared signals at 10.6-μ, wavelength have been carried out on CO
2
laser amplifiers excited by dc and pulsed electrical currents. Measurements of low signal gain, gain saturation, repetitive pulse amplification, and optical distortion have led to the design of a 1-kW average power transmitter with 10-μs infrared output pulses. The design, construction, and performance of this device are discussed. Measurements of pulse shaping, pulse-to-pulse stability, output beam divergence, and stability are outlined.