Gain Anisotropy in Low Pressure Chemical Lasers.
Abstract
Continuous-wave (cw) chemical lasers are frequently operated at pressures of the order of 1 Torr to achieve efficient lasing. At these pressures, the medium is inhomogeneously (Doppler) broadened, and the line shape (gain coefficient versus frequency), under power on operation, is a function of the viewing angle. For example, when viewed along the optical resonator axis, the line shape may have holes because of the radiation field; when viewed from a direction orthogonal to the resonator axis, it is free of holes. This anisotropy of the gain medium is the subject of the present study. The purpose is to aid in the experimental validation of numerical cw chemical laser codes wherein the line shape, as viewed along the resonator axis, is predicted, and experimental measurements of power on gain are made from an orthogonal direction. In the first portion of this study, general expressions for line shape are deduced. These expressions are then applied to determine both the axial and orthogonal gain distribution in a low pressure multimode cw chemical laser with a Fabry-Perot (F-P) resonator.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 15, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA168125
Entities
People
- Harold Mirels
Organizations
- The Aerospace Corporation