This paper describes an ultraviolet photopreionized highpressure CO2 laser. This laser employs a cable-coupled

parallel-discharge preioniized circuit and a main discharge circuit

which share a common power supply. It has a number of advantages

such as less energy dissipation

good stability

simplicity of configuration and so on. This laser can be operated at 8-12 atm with a peak power output of about 20 MW. Continuous tuning over total frequency range of 100cm-1 on the P and R branches of 9.4μand 10.4μ vibrational-rotational bands of CO2 has been achieved. Preliminary studies of continuous tuning and frequency pulling are performed.