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We present an analysis of the relaxation oscillations in a laser with a Gaussian mirror by taking into account the three-dimensional spatial field distribution of the laser modes and the spatial hole burning effect. In particular, we discuss the influence of the Gaussian mirror peak reflectivity and a Gaussian parameter on the damping rate and frequency of the relaxation oscillation for two different laser structures, i.e., with a classically unstable resonator and a classically stable resonator. OCIS codes: 140.0140, 140.3410, 140.3430, 140.3460.

Characteristic peculiarities of the formation of the photoacoustic-detector signal from excitation of absorbing gas molecules by a short laser pulse ([[Tau].sub.p] [much less than] [[Tau].sub.vt]) that allows for the natural oscillations of the microphone membrane are considered. A technique for [[Tau].sub.vt] measurement is proposed on the strength of the finding that the signal form is determined by the microphone membrane oscillation under low pressure (P [less than or equal to] 10 Torr). The results of measurement of the [[Tau].sub.vt] of the vibrational state [v.sub.1] + 3[v.sub.3] in [H.sub.2]O for the collisions [H.sub.2]O-[H.sub.2]O and [H.sub.2]O-air are presented.