Numerical investigation of a three-mirror resonator for a TE CO(2) laser.

A numerical model of a three-mirror resonator for a TE CO(2) laser was developed. This model was used to determine if a three-mirror resonator with an etalon could be used to ensure tunable single-mode action on the lower gain lines of CO(2). Single-mode pulse energies were also predicted and good agreement was found with experimentally measured values. An analysis of the thermal frequency drift of the resonator is also presented.