Low Loss Window Materials for Chemical Lasers
Abstract
The increasing interest and importance of chemical lasers has led to a demand for further materials studies at DF and HF chemical laser frequencies. In order to meet this demand a small cw chemical laser has been built for calorimetric measurements of the absorption coefficient. A wide variety of low loss materials has been studied at DF (3.8 micrometers) and HF (2.7 micrometers) frequencies. In conjunction with the absorption measurements, chemical cleaning and polishing techniques have been developed and applied to some materials to determine their effectiveness in minimizing surface absorption. Calorimetric measurements of the optical absorption coefficient at chemical laser frequencies are reported on single and polycrystalline alkaline earth fluorides and alkali halides, single crystal magnesium oxide, sapphire, magnesium fluoride, strontium titanate, and other materials. Infrared spectrometer data on the absorption coefficient as a function of frequency for most of the materials studied are presented. As in past work, these data serve to indicate the value of the absorption coefficients expected in the HF-DF frequency regime. The infrared scans also reveal impurity structure in a few oxide materials in this same region.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1975
- Accession Number
- ADA006671
Entities
People
- James A. Harrington
Organizations
- University of Alabama in Huntsville