Multiwave TEA Laser with a Combined Working Mixture and Fast Switching of Generation Channels

Abstract

The paper presents the results of developing a multiwavelength TEA laser with a selective dispersive resonator, providing multiwavelength generation in the near- and mid-IR ranges (1.1–3.5 and 9.2–10.8 μm). The use of a combined gas mixture containing CO2 molecules and inert gases (Xe, Kr, Ar, and Ne) enables high-quality radiation with narrow spectral lines, which are necessary for applied spectroscopy and remote gas analysis. The developed optical scheme with a diffraction grating and blocking units ensures fast (0.2 s) sequential switching between spectral lines, which allows for the efficient achievement of the so-called “frozen atmosphere” effect during measurements. The proposed approach significantly simplifies the design and improves the reliability of multi-wavelength gas analyzers, expanding their functionality while reducing cost and size. The developed laser could become a promising radiation source for remote sensing of the atmosphere and determining the concentrations of gases such as CO₂ and NH₃.