title: Absorption Saturation Effects on High-Power CO(2) Laser Beam Transmission.
abstract: A theoretical and numerical investigation is made of the effect on a beam of 10.6-microm radiation of absorption saturation of the CO(2) molecules in its path. Saturation of the CO(2) absorption cross section sets in under irradiation at high power levels when induced emission balances the resonant absorption. We show by means of computer plots that soon after a high-power beam with a parabolic profile is turned on, a caustic may form near its boundary as a result of CO(2) absorption saturation in the central portion. At high altitudes we show that absorption saturation can lead to enhanced transmission over long distances.
authors.forename: D C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Pridmore-Brown