Abstract

A new type of waveguide laser is described in which a single-surface concave metal waveguide also doubles as the grounded electrode in a radio-frequency-excited gaseous discharge. The laser’s output modes and spectrum have been studied theoretically and experimentally for cw CO₂ operation of the laser. Overall operating efficiency and mode stability are comparable with those of conventional dielectric waveguide CO₂ lasers, and advantages of the metal waveguide laser include convection cooling, intracavity mode control, and partial self-alignment.

© 1983 Optical Society of America

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