Influence of heat release in singlet oxygen on the operation of an oxygen–iodine chemical laser

Calculations are used to demonstrate the influence of the heat release accompanying the quenching of singlet oxygen on its transport in an oxygen–iodine chemical laser. It is found that there is an optimal flow rate of singlet oxygen ensuring the maximum energy content in the gas stream on entry to the resonator. The flow rate depends strongly on the heat release in the channel. Calculated universal dependences are presented and these can be used to select optimal laser operating conditions.