In this work, the effect of self-absorption by molecules of the active medium on the output laser power of a low-pressure CW CO2 laser was studied. The effects of discharge current, output coupling and total gas pressure on the output laser power were discussed. It was explained that the self-absorption depends on CO2 concentration, output coupling and discharge current and there is a threshold value for both output coupling and discharge current at which the absorption is clearly effective.

Co2 laser --- CW lasers --- Self-absorption --- Output coupling