Inhomogeneous broadening effects in CW chemical lasers

The effects of inhomogeneous broadening on CW chemical laser performance was analyzed on the basis of a simple two-level vibrational model. A Fabry-Perot resonator is assumed, and the variation of flow conditions with streamwise distance is considered. Steady-state lasing is assumed. Equations defining the effects of gain saturation on the performance of a Doppler-broadened CW chemical laser are deduced, first for a premixed laser, and then with diffusion effects taken into account. An equation giving a criterion for when inhomogeneous broadening effects become significant in low-pressure CW chemical lasers when the streamwise length of the resonator is smaller than the streamwise length of the positive gain region is obtained.