Influence of the active medium composition on the gain in the 00⁰2–[10⁰1, 02⁰1]_l band for a TEA CO₂ laser with ultraviolet preionization

An experimental and theoretical investigation was made of the small-signal gains of lines in the second sequence band, and of the temperature of the asymmetric ν₃ mode of the CO₂ molecule in a TEA CO₂ amplifier as a function of the composition of the CO₂–N₂–He mixture. The optimal partial pressures of the component were determined. In a TEA CO₂ amplifier with ultraviolet preionization provided by auxiliary lateral discharges it was found that the maximum gain of ∼0.01 cm^-1 for the 10P(19) line of the second sequence band was achieved in a CO₂:N₂:He = 1:1:3 mixture.