Parametric study of an efficient supersonic chemical oxygen-iodine laser/jet generator system operating without buffer gas

A detailed experimental study of an efficient supersonic chemical oxygen-iodine laser is presented. The laser is energized by a jet-type singlet oxygen generator, operated without primary buffer gas and applies simple nozzle geometry and transonic mixing of iodine and oxygen. Output power of 190 W with chemical efficiency of 18% was obtained in a 5-cm gain length for Cl/sub 2/ flow rate of 11.8 mmole/s. The power is studied as a function of the distance between the optical axis and the supersonic nozzle exit plane, the molar flow rates of various reagents, the basic hydrogen peroxide solution and gas pressures in the generator, the type of the secondary buffer gas (N/sub 2/ or He) and the stagnation temperature of the gas. It is found that the power under the present operation conditions is almost unaffected by water vapor in the medium. The role of buffer gas under different conditions is discussed.