Profile Optimization of the Discharge Electrodes in TEA CO2 Laser System

Abstract

In this work, four profiles (Chang, modified Chang, Ernst 4th order and Ernst 8th order) were considered to fabricate discharge electrodes of a TEA-CO2 laser from SiC composite. These four profiles were studied and simulated to optimize the distribution of electric field intensity on the electrode surface. As the profile of discharge electrode determines the uniformity of electric field over the whole discharge volume, it was considered experimentally as a reference to choose the best profile. Results show that Ernst 8th order profile is the best among the all simulated and tested profiles. This study may assist the designers of CO2, Excimer and N2 gas lasers to optimize the laser system during the designing course by adopting the most efficient profile of the discharge electrodes.