Abstract

In general the TEM₀₀-mode beam, widely used in industrial laser systems, is selected by the use of mode-control apertures settled in the cavity.^1,2 The maximum stable laser output power obtainable in the TEM₀₀ mode is approximately 2 kW for cw CO₂ lasers with mode-control apertures, because the higher the intensity of the laser beam, the stronger the thermal distortion induced in the output coupler. We have developed a novel stable resonator.^3,4 This new resonator is characterized by enhanced laser output power with an amplified diffraction beam. In this paper, we present the results of experimental studies on the new stable resonator applied to a high-power cw CO₂ laser.

© 1995 IEEE