Dynamical analysis of acousto-optically Q-switched CO2 laser

A compacted size high power CO₂ laser has been developed using an acousto-optically (AO) Q-switch. Performance characteristics have been investigated as a function of output mirror transmittance. The theory of six-temperature model for CO₂ lasers has firstly been utilized to analyze the dynamical process in the AO Q-switched CO₂ laser. This theory perfectly explains the behavior of energy transfer between different molecules in laser gain medium, and describes the shape of pulse laser. The calculated pulse waveforms are in good agreement with the experimental result. Both the experimental and theoretical results present that the optimal value of output mirror transmittance is 39%. Under this condition, the measured peak power is 4750 W and pulsed width is 160 ns, which is consistent with the calculations. Six-temperature model is a perfect theory for CO₂ laser kinetics, which will lay a theoretical foundation for the laser optimum design.