The radial variation of electron temperature and density with partial gas pressures in a CO2&sngbnd;N2&sngbnd;He laser discharge is measured using double‐probe and microwave resonance techniques. In a 22‐mm‐diam discharge tube the optimum partial gas pressures for maximum laser power correspond to an electron temperature of 3 eV and a density of 3 × 109cm3. The radial electron density profile is compatible with measured gain profiles. The results indicate that the role of He in the excitation mechanism is not due to a reduction in electron temperature.