High performance DF-CO2 chain-reaction laser

Performance of a pulsed DF-CO2 transfer laser was investigated for the case of transverse initiation by a magnetically-confined electron beam. Laser output is presented as a function of e-beam charge fluence, O2 concentration, F2 concentration, diluent gas, and total mixture pressure. The experimental data are compared with the predictions of a comprehensive rotational-nonequilibrium DF-CO2 laser model. Experimental results include 41 J/liter CO2 output at 800 torr cavity pressure and the potential for system electrical efficiency in excess of 100% when the dimension along the axis of e-beam propagation is made comparable to the range of the electron beam. The DF-CO2 laser performance is found to be comparable to that of a DF chain laser using mixtures of comparable chemical energy content.