Nuclear Activated CW Chemical Laser.
Abstract
A cw chemical laser which uses processed radioactive waste to produce active atoms from a chemically inert gas before being mixed with another molecule such as hydrogen or deuterium is disclosed. This laser uses no toxic or corrosive fuels and does not require any electrical or other type of auxiliary power supply. The energy released by the radioactive material is used to produce the active atoms such as fluorine. This is accomplished by using the radiation products from processed radioactive waste to dissociate the inert gas in the plenum of the laser. The radioactive material is held in the passageway walls of a device similar to a heat exchanger. The exchanger device may be located in the gas generator section of a chemical laser. The inert gas is passed through the exchanger device and while passing through it the radiation from the radioactive material dissociates the gas, producing a concentration of free active atoms. This active atom generator then feeds the nozzle bank or mixing section of a laser to produce a lasing action.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 09, 1980
- Accession Number
- ADD007591
Entities
People
- Thomas G. Roberts
Organizations
- United States Army