Scaling up of nonchain HF(DF) laser initiated by self-sustained volume discharge

Abstract

Scaling problems are considered for non-chain HF laser operating on mixtures of SF<SUB>6</SUB> and hydrocarbons in which a chemical reaction is initiated by self-sustained volume discharge. The possibility of obtaining a volume discharge in SF<SUB>6</SUB> and in corresponding mixtures without preionization, i.e., self- initiated volume discharge (SIVD) is a new qualitative result in solving the scaling problem for non-chain lasers. The dynamics of SIVD evolution has been investigated. The possibility of obtaining SIVD is determined in SF<SUB>6</SUB> by mechanisms that limit the density of current, are related to specific energy release, and prevent the total energy from flowing through a single channel. A simple mode is developed for calculating the discharge characteristics in non-chain laser. The model provides a good agreement with experiment data. The obtained energy of nonchain HF-laser is 407 J and that of DF-laser is 325 J with the electric efficiency 4.3 percent and 3.4 percent, respectively. A possibility is estimated of creating non-chain HF lasers with the output energy of the order of kilojoules and higher on the basis of experimental data obtained.