Investigation of high power MHD gas lasers

This report presents the results obtained during the first half of the year 1974 in the study of MHD powered gas lasers. Key results of the work thus far are: Changes to the shock tunnel and test facility include a modified cesium seed injection system, relocation of the secondary diaphragm, installation of a primary double diaphragm and a new CO2 probe laser. Gain measurements previously reported have been repeated, with substantial improvement in the signal attributable to the above changes. Achievement of 19% enthalpy extraction in the MHD generator channel is an important step forward in generator performance.