Zero-power-gain measurements in CW HF/DF/ laser by means of a fast scan technique

An improved technique for measuring zero power gain in a CW HF-DF chemical laser has been developed in which a CW HF(DF) single-line, frequency-stabilized TEM-00 mode probe laser is used. Through use of a flat rotating mirror and focusing elements, the streamwise distribution of zero-power gain was scanned at a rate of about 1 mm/microsec with a spatial resolution of about 1 mm. The zero-power-gain profile was observed for two arc-driven chemical-laser nozzles with both HF and DF active species. The nozzles consisted of a 36-slit array with perforated tube H2 injectors and a 55-slit array with uniform H2 injection. Results are presented for the variation of zero power gain with axial distance, the magnitude and location of peak gain, and the gain cutoff location for a number of transitions. Peak gain values of 15 per cent/cm and 5.5 per cent/cm were measured with HF and DF active species, respectively, with the 55-slit nozzle array.