Continuous-wave HF R-branch laser demonstration.

Area of Science:

• Chemical Lasers
• Spectroscopy
• Quantum Electronics

Background:

• Hydrogen fluoride (HF) chemical lasers are known for their efficiency.
• HF lasers typically operate on P-branch transitions, emitting at longer wavelengths.
• Achieving lasing on R-branch transitions offers potential for novel applications at shorter wavelengths.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate continuous-wave (CW) lasing on hydrogen fluoride (HF) R-branch transitions.
• To investigate methods for shifting HF laser output to shorter wavelengths.
• To characterize the performance of an HF laser operating on R-branch transitions.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a standard combustion-driven HF chemical laser.
• Employed a 15-cm single-row supersonic nozzle.
• Used specially coated mirrors to suppress P-branch transitions and favor R-branch emission.
• Outcoupled laser power at 2.47 micrometers.

Main Results:

• Successfully demonstrated CW lasing on HF R-branch transitions.
• Achieved 2.5 W of outcoupled power at 2.47 micrometers on an R-branch transition.
• The HF laser produced approximately 50 W of power on P-branch transitions concurrently.

Conclusions:

• Continuous-wave lasing on HF R-branch transitions is feasible using optimized optical cavities.
• The use of specialized mirrors effectively redirects laser energy to shorter wavelengths.
• This work opens possibilities for HF lasers in applications requiring shorter wavelength emission.