Transversely Spark-Initiated Chemical Laser with High Pulse Energies

Abstract

Peak powers exceeding 1 kW of 5.0-μ radiation have been obtained from a pulsed chemical laser. Reactions of CS2/O2/inert gas mixtures were initiated by means of a transverse spark discharge. A maximum pulse energy of 26 mJ was obtained. The pumping reaction was believed to be O+CS=CO+S. Laser action was observed on 79 P-branch transitions in the 13→12 to 2→1 transitions of ground state CO.