High pulse repetition frequency RF excited waveguide CO2 laser with mechanical Q-switching

In this paper, a mechanical Q-switching is used in radio frequency (RF) excited waveguide CO2 laser to obtain high pulse repetition frequency (PRF) laser. The Q-switching system includes two confocal ZnSe lenses and a high speed mechanical chopper, which is inserted into the cavity. The peak power is up to 730 W and the pulse width 200 ns at the highest PRF 20 kHz. The laser also has the advantages of compact, small-volume, and low-cost.