The characteristics of the cw neutral argon ir laser are studied using a variety of techniques. The output power enhancement effects of helium and chlorine gases are measured, and the reasons for the enhancement are determined. The gain is measured for the 2.397-µm, 2.208-µm, 2.062-µm, and 1.792-µm laser lines, using an internal cavity-loss method and a single-pass amplifier method. In addition, the saturation intensity is measured, and competition effects are studied. It is concluded that helium aids excitation of the upper laser levels by producing a significant increase in the electron temperature. Chlorine is shown to aid de-excitation of the lower laser levels by partially depopulating the metastable argon 4s levels that lie just below them.

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