Optimized homogeneity and stability of gas discharges in fast-flow CO 2 laser systems operating at the choking limit

The design of compact and efficient laser sources having high beam-quality and high beam-power is an objective of gas laser research. Therefore, it is necessary to realize highest input power densities while producing only minimized distortion of the optical quality of the laseractive fluid. A non-concentric helical configuration of electrodes in combination with a particular swirl flow allowing for homogeneous deposition of 28 kW of electrical power in a single tube element and operating at the choking limit, while producing only 350 nm of maximum phase distortion, is shown in theory and experiment.