Transversely Pulse-Initiated Chemical Lasers: Atmospheric-Pressure Operation of an HF Laser

Abstract

Chemical laser action at atmospheric pressure has been observed from vibrational‐rotational transitions of HF produced by multiple transverse spark discharges in C₃H₈–He–SF₆ mixtures. Lasing action was also observed when C₄F₈, C₂F₆, or CF₄ replaced the SF₆ and H₂, CH₄, C₂H₆, or C₄H₁₀ replaced C₃H₈. Peak‐pulse powers in excess of 0.5 MW were obtained at low pressures; at atmospheric pressure, peak powers were of the order of 30 kW. In some instances, the laser was superradiant at pressures up to 1 atm. P‐branch transitions from the v=3, 2, 1 vibrational levels of HF were observed. The pumping reaction was F + RH = HF^† + R.