High-power pulse NH3 laser pumped optically by CO2 laser radiation

An investigation was made of the energy, temporal, and spatial characteristics of an NH₃ laser emitting at wavelengths 12.08 and 12.81 μ. An improved optical system and optimization of the operation of the NH₃ laser made it possible to obtain an energy of 0.35 J per pulse. The peak output power of this laser was ≈0.5 MW and its efficiency was ≈8%.