Electron-beam-initiated F2–H2 chemical laser

Experiments were carried out on an F₂:O₂:SF₆:H₂ = 3.6:1.4:1.0:1.0 mixture in which laser action was initiated by a beam of 300–400 keV electrons. The amplitude of the electron current was 15 kA, the duration of the pulses was 30 nsec, and the energy of the beam was 150 J. The dependence of the output energy on the total pressure of the mixture was determined. Laser pulses of 67 J energy, 100 nsec duration, and 5×10^–2 rad divergence were obtained. The electrical efficiency of the laser was 45%.