Chemical laser utilizing electronic transitions in IF molecules

A theoretical analysis is made of a chemical NF–IF laser emitting in the visible range. Its amplifying properties are studied and the energy characteristics are calculated as a function of laser parameters. It is shown that the specific output energy of a cw IF laser can exceed 120J/g and the overall chemical efficiency can be ≈ 5%. Specific practical recommendations are given on the achievement of high energy parameters of a cw IF laser. Estimates indicate that the laser energy density available from a pulsed form of this laser can exceed 60J/liter (for an efficiency ≈ 6.5%).