A model of the excitation discharge of fast transversal flow lasers

A model of fast transversal flow CO/sub 2/ laser discharges is presented. Electron density and vibrational kinetics equations are solved simultaneously with one-dimensional inviscid flow equations, in order to study the effects of the evolution of hydrodynamic variables on discharge stability. The current-voltage characteristic is calculated, including the influence of laser radiation (optogalvanic effect). A relationship is given between fluid residence time and maximum input power density in the active medium, taking the maximum allowable electron density as a parameter. The results are in satisfactory agreement with the experiments of W.J. Wiegand et al. (1975). Expressions for the optimum length of the discharge zone and maximum power input to the active medium are derived.<
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