Waveguide lasers of the LCD series and some features of their application

The influence of various factors on the stability of the performance parameters of compact CO₂ waveguide lasers (the LCD series) produced by Plazma JSC (Russia) has been considered for the first time. An angular misalignment of cavity mirrors was found to be the main reason for the relative instability of laser emission in the frequency range of 0–0.5 Hz. These lasers work under RF excitation and have a power output from 3 to 50 W in a non-selective oscillating mode. Lasers can work at a fixed emission wavelength or in the wavelength-change mode. Preprogrammed dynamic control of the laser's emission spectrum can be carried out in the automatic mode using the built-in servo driver from a personal computer. The CO₂ waveguide lasers of the LCD series can be used in laser lidar systems, particularly, for observation of small-sized objects and environmental monitoring.