Set-up for power calibration transfer at CO2 laser wavelengths

This paper describes the necessity and the procedures for power calibration transfer at different laser wavelengths, and particularly in the range 9.2-10.8 μm where CO 2 lasers emit. To accomplish this purpose, the reference laser must be very well characterized, especially regarding its frequency and power instabilities. We have designed and built a line tunable, frequency and power stabilized sealed-off CO 2 laser operating in continuous wave and we have measured the operating parameters, such as tunability, frequency instability and power instability in different experimental conditions. The laser was optimized to work as a reliable reference instrument for power calibration transfer.