Spectral characteristics of Q-switched CO laser

The spectrum of low-pressure cryogenic CO laser operated in Q-switched mode was measured at frequencies of 70 Hz and 120 Hz. CO laser spectrum consisted of 115 spectral lines in the wavelength range from 4.89 mu m to 6.54 mu m at 70 Hz, and 102 lines in the wavelength range from 4.90 mu m to 6.44 mu m at 120 Hz. For the first time the dynamics of generation on each spectral line for full CO laser spectrum were measured. We identified rotational-vibrational transitions and analyzed the processes, which affect the formation of the CO laser spectrum. This data were taken into account to determine the peak powers of all the spectral lines correctly.