Output power enhancement by the injection of dissociated iodine in supersonic chemical oxygen-iodine laser

Abstract

Iodine molecule was dissociated prior to injection in supersonic Chemical Oxygen-Iodine Laser (COIL). In some cases, output power enhancement was observed. However, the output power was decreased at the optimum titration (iodine/oxygen ratio). A quasi-two dimensional simulation was employed to analyze the effect ofiodine pre-dissociation. It was revealed that the high iodine atom concentration at the plenum is responsible for the power reduction. The method to improve the output power by pre-dissociation is discussed.