A simplified analytic model for gain saturation and power extraction in the flowing chemical oxygen-iodine laser

Abstract

This paper describes the development of a simplified saturation model (SSM) for predicting power extraction from a chemical oxygen-iodine laser (COIL). Using the Fabry-Perot gain saturation assumption, analytic expressions for COIL extraction efficiency are presented for both constant-density and variable-density cavity conditions. The model treats mirror scattering, nonsaturable distributed losses, and diffractive losses from the mode-limiting aperture and is shown to be in excellent agreement with experimental COIL power extraction data. A comparison of the model with the Rigrod power extraction model is presented showing that the Rigrod model accurately predicts COIL extraction efficiency only in the limit that the COIL device no longer behaves as a transfer laser.