Possibility of using an atomizer in a chemical generator of singlet oxygen for an oxygen–iodine laser

The theoretical and practical aspects of a design for a singlet-oxygen generator (SOG) for an oxygen-iodine-laser application are discussed. The device proposed is based on the injection of an alkaline H2O2 solution into a Cl2 stream by an atomizer. The critical factors are seen as the exhaustion of Cl2, the exhaustion kinetics of H2O2, and the yield of singlet oxygen from the liquid phase; these factors are analyzed quantitatively, and the results are applied to the practical design of an atomizer SOG. An oxygen pressure (pO2) of 6 kPa and a relative concentration of singlet oxygen (eta) of over 50 percent are found to be obtainable under optimum conditions, but even then the use of a freezeout trap (-50 to -30 C) may be required. In the oxygen-iodine laser, an SOG with flow rate = 100 m/sec, pO2 = 3 kPa, and eta = 50 percent can supply about 300 W of usable power per sq cm of gas-liquid-stream cross section.