Abstract: Disclosed is a pair of channel waveguide CO.sub.2 lasers formed in a common eramic block. Both discharge channels are DC excited for CW operation and share common mirrors at both ends. The laser cavity includes a Stark cell coupled via a window to one end of both discharge cannels and contains ammonia or deuterated ammonia. The Stark cell is further truncated by a grating opposite the window to provide an overall three mirror cavity configuration which permits predetermined laser line selection. The Stark cell, moreover, is configured to include two pairs of electrodes which permit independent voltage modulation of the two CO.sub.2 laser beams.

Abstract: A CW waveguide channel gas laser constructed from boron nitride which due its high thermal conductivity and extremely low thermal expansivity provides increased frequency stability.

Abstract: Porous ceramic materials are used for the walls of tubing for flowing gas lasers. Analysis of the gas flow shows that the axial pressure variation in the porous wall tubes is more gradual than for dense wall tubes leading to more uniform gain conditions. The saturation intensity is more uniform not only due to the reduced pressure anisotropy but also, at higher flow rates, because of axially varying particle dwell times in the discharge region.