In the previous article, I have explained the various modes of carbon dioxide and about the significance of these modes in carbon dioxide laser. Today I will discuss the construction of carbon dioxide laser.

Carbon dioxide laser consists of a discharge tube having a diameter of 2.5cm and a length of about 5m. The discharge tube is filled with a mixture of carbon dioxide, nitrogen and helium gases in the ratio of 1:2:3 with water vapors. Pressures maintained are about P (for He)= 7 Torr, P (for N2)= 1.2 Torr and P (for CO2 = 0.33 Torr).

Active medium and active centers= The active medium is the CO2, N2 and He in the ratio of 1:2:3. The active centers are the carbon dioxide molecules because laser will be achieved due to these molecules.

Pumping source= Electric discharge method is used for pumping and achieving population inversion. In this method, electrons will collide with CO2 molecules and pump them to excited states.

The purpose of N2 is to help in excitation of CO2 molecules by colliding with CO2 molecules and transferring the energy to them. So N2 molecules increases the  pumping efficiency.

Optical resonator system= All the gas mixtures is enclosed between a set of mirrors which forms the optical resonator system. One of mirrors is completely reflecting and the other is partially reflecting.

Note: In next article, I will explain the working of CO₂ laser. Till then, try to make the construction diagram. In case of any problem in this article or any other physics article, post in the comment section.

After reading this article and you will be able to answer the following questions:

• explain the construction of CO2 laser.
• name the pumping source in CO2 laser
• what is the active center in CO2 laser?
• name the resonator system in Co2 laser.

Reference: This article is referred from my authored book “optics and lasers” having ISBN 978-81-272-2948-2

Kindly Read This Also :

Note from winnerscience: If you want the e-notes of all the laser  articles that will include the basics of lasers like stimulated absorption, difference between spontaneous and stimulated emission, Einstein  Coefficients, properties and applications of lasers, complete construction and working of lasers like Ruby laser, He-Ne laser, Carbon dioxide laser, Nd:YAG laser, dye laser, semiconductor laser, holography and additional articles of Q-switching and mode locking, then please contact winnerscience@gmail.com. You can post your queries also there.