Numerical multiparameter optimization of a pulsed chemical D2–F2–CO2 laser

A numerical optimization of the operating conditions in a D₂–F₂–CO₂ laser is carried out in respect of all the principal parameters, such as the composition of the mixture, initial temperature, total pressure, resonator coupling coefficient, degree of initiation. The maximum values of the energy characteristics of the laser attainable under real experimental conditions for an atmospheric- pressure mixture are determined both in the oscillator regime and in the regime of amplification of a saturating signal. It is shown that when the degree of initiation of the pump reaction is low, cooling of a mixture containing oxygen may cause considerable deterioration of the output energy parameters. It is demonstrated that the laser characteristics are critically sensitive to the oxygen content in the mixture at higher pressures. The results of these calculations are shown to agree well with experimental data.