Abstract: An arrangement for the generation of CO.sub.2 laser pulses of high power. In a first step, the laser medium is brought by an electrical pumping pulse into a state of extremely high population inversion and, in a second step, this inversion is decayed suddenly by a Q-switching effect in such a manner, that radiation pulses of extreme power magnification arise. The power is supplied to the laser-gas discharge by a power-supply unit which permits the pulsed supply of pumping energy. The associated laser resonator is formed froma first resonator mirror with a fixed reflectivity R.sub.1,frequency-selective element,a special, highly angle-selective gas discharge tube,and a special component material transparent to the laser radiation that functions as a second resonator mirror with a variable reflectivity R.sub.2. The second unit is comprised of a modulator with a high cutoff frequency in the form of a Fabry-Perot interferometer arrangement with a rapidly changeable optical wavelength.

Abstract: An arrangement for the wavelength-selective internal intensity modulation and radiation pulse generation of high power CO.sub.2 lasers, in a high-power CO.sub.2 laser is forced to operate in the resonator at a freely selectable but fixed wavelength by means of a frequency-selective element and highly angle-selective gas discharge tubes. The possibility of rapidly Q-switching is provided by a special interferometer arrangement of variable reflectivity, functioning as an uncoupling element. The arrangement may furthermore be used for the rapid stabilization of the laser power.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for external modulation of high-efficiency CO.sub.2 laser beams of defined wavelength, particularly for use in CO.sub.2 laser material working apparatuses. According to the invention two plates made of transparent material are arranged parallel to each other, the inner surfaces of the plates are reflective and the outer surfaces are non-reflective.

Abstract: A system is provided for compensation of maladjustments caused by operational and/or environmental factors in laser resonant cavities of the folded type, which employs a support construction of a light weight construction double T-profile section. The present construction allows the construction of low cost, powerful lasers with substantially reduced mass and volume and of a sufficient temperature stability for industrial applications. A thermal carrier medium flowing through all supports and mountings for all optical components is brought from an ambient temperature to an increased temperature and serves as a control medium for the optical components.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the production of a transversely corrugated or serrated interior pipe of a double walled special gas discharge pipe with high angle selectivity, especially to the production of such pipe from silicate materials, preferably for CO.sub.2 laser with axial gas discharge with high amplification, the method and apparatus providing for the economic production of such pipes from silicate materials, with defined sharp-edged corrugations, in the required accuracy and quality. This is accomplished by forming an interior pipe from a smooth cylindrical glass pipe, which has been heated by means of suitable heat sources, until the material can be plastically formed.