Computer Model of the SF(6)-H(2) Electrical Discharge Chemical Laser

A computer simulation is presented of the SF(6)-H(2) electrical discharge chemical laser. The model includes approximately 140 reactions involving electrons, ions, and neutral species. A Boltzmann distribution of electron energies is assumed, and electrical energy is introduced into the laser gas at the experimentally measured rate. The reaction mechanism is discussed, and results are presented for the effect of gas composition on laser energy, fuel consumption, and fluorine atom production rate. The effect of changes in electrical pulse length and several rate coefficients is also assessed. Where possible the results are compared with experimental data. The results are in good agreement with experiment; however, several fundamental processes need further experimental clarification.