| Abstract: | Uncoated plane parallel windows made from ultra-transparent KCl and NaCl crystals, which were grown by ‘injecting the reactive atmosphere’ (IRA) technique, have been tested as output windows in a high-power, high-repetition TEA CO2 laser, in various resonator configurations. Output power densities per pulse of 2 to 6 MW cm-2, which are 40% to 60% less than with 50% reflective coated ZnSe, have normally been obtained. The laser performances did not change after one year of operation and more than 107 pulses per window. No laser damage has been observed. |
