Transverse-Flow Quasi-cw HF Chemical Laser: Design and Preliminary Performance

A small transverse-flow HF chemical laser has been constructed using a large volume microwave plasma generator for the production of F atoms. The F atoms react with hydrogen to form the lasing HF molecules. The active medium is about 5 cm long, and the maximum average laser power was found to be 560mW for all lines. Three laser lines with wavelengths 2.61 microm, 2.64 microm, and 2.73 microm were observed. The time-varying laser transition profile closely resembles the density profile of the excited fluorine atoms in the plasma. Both profiles are greatly affected by changes in flow conditions.