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: 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.