Modeling of the power oscillation observed in single mode intracavity absorption of CO2 laser lines

Single mode intracavity absorption is investigated from an analytical point of view in order to explain the periodical modulation of the power observed in intracavity absorption of CO2 laser lines by CFC gases. Intracavity absorption is incorporated into the laser rate equations in form of an additional broadband loss. Detuning due to changes in the refractive index with increase in absorber pressure is accounted for by considering the impact of the frequency shift of the oscillating mode on the effective pump rate and the population densities of the laser upper and lower levels. The steady state solution of the rate equations leads to an analytical formula, which fits the measured intracavity absorption curves with only two fit parameters being adjusted to the actual values of the absorption cross section and the mean linear polarizability of the absorber molecule. The formula is applied to analyze the intracavity absorption of the CO2 10R lines by CFC-11. The obtained results are in reasonable agreement with the values available in the literature.

► Power oscillation in single mode intracavity absorption is a result of detuning.
► Power oscillation depends on the polarizability of the absorber molecule.
► Formula for fitting single mode intracavity absorption curves is presented.
► Fit determines both absorption cross section and polarizability of the absorber.