Magnetic field effects on electrical parameters of rf excited CO2 lasers

In the present Letter a rf excited CO2 laser embedded in an external, constant, and homogeneous magnetic field is considered. The magnetic field effects on some discharge parameters such as V-I characteristics, impedance of sheaths and positive column of plasma, intensity of visible emission from plasma and thickness of positive column are investigated. There is an increase in thickness of positive column and output power in presence of magnetic field. Magnetic field leads to an increase in the discharge voltage and impedance for lower current densities and a decrease for higher ones. There is a current density in which the magnetic field has no effects on discharge voltage and impedance. There are two peaks on intensity of visible emission from the discharge which at higher magnetic field are pushed out toward the electrodes.