An optical resonator for generating high-power, cylindrically polarized beams is demonstrated. The rear mirror of a commercial CO 2 laser is replaced by a novel triple-axicon retroreflector unit that is composed of a waxicon and an axicon accurately fitted together. Selection of the polarization is made by the reflectivity difference between p and s polarizations at the inclined surfaces. The resonator is designed for radially polarized oscillation, however, the output beam is azimuthally polarized because the oscillation occurs at unexpected 9.6 μm. A stable 1 kW output is generated, and the measured beam quality is M 2 =2.0.