Analytic study of the chain dark decomposition reaction of iodides — atomic iodine donors — in the active medium of a pulsed chemical oxygen—iodine laser: 1. Criteria for the development of the branching chain dark decomposition reaction of iodides

The scheme of chemical processes proceeding in the active medium of a pulsed chemical oxygen—iodine laser (COIL) is analysed. Based on the analysis performed, the complete system of differential equations corresponding to this scheme is replaced by a simplified system of equations describing in dimensionless variables the chain dark decomposition of iodides — atomic iodine donors, in the COIL active medium. The procedure solving this system is described, the basic parameters determining the development of the chain reaction are found and its specific time intervals are determined. The initial stage of the reaction is analysed and criteria for the development of the branching chain decomposition reaction of iodide in the COIL active medium are determined.