A Kinetic Model and Computer Simulation for a Pulsed DF-CO2 Chemical Transfer Laser

The chemical and energy transfer reactions involved in the helium- diluted DF-CO2 chemical transfer laser system are discussed. Experimental and theoretical rate coefficient literature is reviewed, and the most probable rates are selected for the kinetic model of the reaction system. Results of computer experiments show the relative importance of these reactions for pulsed laser simulation. Predicted laser performance is most sensitive to values of rate coefficients for DF-CO2 transfer, collisional deactivation of CO2(00 sup 0,1) by DF, and collisional deactivation of DF(v) by D and F. A detailed investigation of the relationship of cavity and chemical mechanisms for two levels of initiation is presented for an initial composition of XF:1F2:ID2:8CO2:40He at 50 torr and 300K with X = 0.1 and 0.01. For F = 0.01, a 260-microsec pulse with 6% chemical efficiency is predicted, while the higher level initiation level (F = 0.1) produces a 52-microsec pulse with 8% efficiency.