Parametric study of the gain in a small scale, grid nozzle, supersonic chemical oxygen-iodine laser

We report on experiments and model calculations of the small-signal gain and the gain profile in a grid nozzle supersonic chemical oxygen-iodine laser. The laser has a 5-cm long active medium and the gain is measured using a diode laser. The calculations are based on a simple one-dimensional semiempirical model previously developed in our laboratory. The gain is studied as a function of the molar flow rates of the various reagents and optimal conditions are found for maximum gain. In particular, an optimal value of the flow rate of I/sub 2/ is found in the experiment and explained by the present model. The small size and the simple structure of the laser combined with the simplicity of the model make the present system a useful tool for studying parameters important for high power supersonic iodine lasers.< >