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 CO2laser 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.