Area scaling in slab rf-excited carbon monoxide lasers

A large area (slab) waveguide carbon monoxide laser, excited by a transverse radio frequency discharge and cooled by diffusion, has been demonstrated at electrode temperatures down to -30°C. A maximum laser power of 120 W has been achieved from a sealed 386×2 mm discharge at an extraction efficiency of 17%. Discharge area scaling factors of 15.5 kW m ^-2 have been observed and cw power extraction exceeding 50 W using tap water cooling has been achieved.