Knowledge Bank

Stable passive Q-switching of a $CO2-N2-He$ laser operating sequentially on several P branch rotational transitions of the $00\circ 1\to 10\circ 0$ vibrational band of $CO2$, has been achieved using $C2H4$ as a saturable absorber. Pulse widths observed were approximately 2 $\mu$ sec and the time between pulses approximately 20 $\mu$ sec. The pulse width and repetition rate are similar to those obtained with $SF6$ and $CH3Br$ as saturable absorbers. The effect of He on pulse stability, shape and repetition rates was also investigated.