Continuous-wave HF R-branch laser demonstration

Continuous-wave lasing on HF R-branch transitions has been demonstrated using a standard combustion driven HF chemical laser with a 15-cm single-row supersonic nozzle. A set of specially coated mirrors was used to discriminate against normal HF P-branch transitions and force the laser toward the shorter wavelengths. 2.5 W of power were outcoupled at 2.47 microns on the HF R-branch transition from an HF laser, producing nominally 50 W of power on the P branch.