Wide-aperture superatmospheric-pressure CO2 laser amplifier pumped by a self-sustained volume discharge

Initiation of a self-sustained volume discharge in CO2-containing gaseous mixtures kept under a pressure of up to 10 atm with the aim of amplifying picosecond IR pulses is considered. Experimental electricdischarge and optical characteristics of a wide-aperture high-pressure CO2 amplifier are presented. The feasibility of designing terawatt laser equipment with a master oscillator and preamplifier is discussed.