Chain reaction pulsed HF laser: a simple model

With economical, yet accurate, predictions of pulsed H(2) + F(2) laser performance as a goal, a rate equation model is formulated that includes only the dominant kinetic mechanisms in the active medium. Effects of model assumptions are examined, and predictions of pulse characteristics are compared with results from a more comprehensive model presented in an earlier study. Computing costs for the present model are less than 1% of those for the comprehensive model; moreover, the present model yields laser pulse characteristics that are consistent with experiment and in excellent agreement with the more comprehensive model. In order to illustrate the model's capability, the effects of initial gas mixture composition and cavity threshold on laser performance are studied over the regime of practical interest. Some possible extensions and applications of the model are also discussed.