Numerical analysis of an HF–HCl chemical laser utilizing the ClF+H2 chain reaction

A kinetic model is developed for a chemical laser utilizing the ClF+H₂ chain reaction in which HCl and HF molecules emit radiation. Numerical calculations are made of the specific energy output and emission dynamics of hydrogen fluoride and hydrogen chloride as a function of the main parameters: the reaction initiation level, composition and pressure of the reactants, and rotation quantum number of the radiating HF and HCl states. An interpretation is given of the laser action mechanism. It is shown that the ClF+H₂ reaction has a specific energy output several times lower than the H₂+F₂ reaction but, as a source of coherent radiation of hydrogen chloride, exceeds the H₂+Cl₂ reaction by a factor of 10.