DF–CO2 chemical quantum amplifier with high performance characteristics

An investigation was made of a DF–CO₂ amplifier. The chemical reaction was initiated by the photolysis of F₂. A "guided" discharge initiated a discharge light source which emitted radiation energy of about 500 J in about 1 μsec in the absorption band of fluorine. The master oscillator was either a DF–CO₂ chemical laser or a CO₂–N₂ laser pumped by a transverse discharge. When a D₂:F₂:CO₂:He = 1:1:4:5 mixture was used in a DF–CO₂ amplifier at atmospheric pressure, the output energy due to P(20) and P(22) transitions in the CO₂ molecule was 150 J/liter and the chemical efficiency was ~7 %.