Abstract

Investigations of the theoretical and experimental features of the passive Q-switching operation of CO₂ lasers containing intracavity saturable absorbers are reported. The pulse shapes observed in experiments with SF₆, CF₃Br, and CH₃I gases are presented as a function of the laser-control parameters across the phase diagram. Through a numerical analysis based on a four-level model, the laser-operation regions and the pulse shapes were investigated for absorption of these gases. The main experimental features are reproduced by the theory, but a quantitative agreement could not be reached.

© 1985 Optical Society of America