Current advances toward the development of an electric controlled avalanche O_2~1Δ generator based oxygen iodine laser

摘要

Progress toward developing a "controlled avalanche"-based, electric oxygen singlet delta generator module will be reported. Problems that previously limited pressure scalability using this approach are addressed. A new computer model has been developed and used to calculate real-time oxygen singlet delta (O_2~1Δ) evolution along with all other known related chemical species - beginning with the onset of the process and ending as the flow stream exits the generator. The calculations indicate that a demonstrator module can now be constructed that is capable of producing O_2~1Δ fractional yields in excess of 35% at 50 torr total pressure, while developing 0.05 to 0.1 moles/second O_2~1Δ. A more detailed and accurate understanding of process dynamics has emerged, which has been incorporated into the excitation methodology and generator design. Fabrication of this generator should begin shortly. The next step will be to characterize its fractional O_2~1Δ yield using spectroscopic techniques. The generator should be capable of driving a supersonic-flow, transverse oxygen iodine laser aimed toward developing 3-6 KW continuous power in blow-down configuration. Tentative design details and characteristics for the integrated generator-laser system are be presented.