Modeling of a chain-reaction CW chemical HF laser with a standing detonation wave

The processes occurring in a chain-reaction chemical HF laser with an initiating reagent (NO) in which the hydrogen fluorination reaction is 'fired' by a standing detonation wave are modeled numerically. The amplification properties of the active medium are investigated; the optimum operating conditions of the laser are determined, as are its energy and spectral characteristics. It is shown that, under optimum conditions, the system can provide a specific power output up to 300 J per gram of mixture, with the chemical efficiency approaching 13 percent.