Properties of self-compensation for three-dimensional periodic phase distortions in active media of gas-flow lasers

A mathematical model for optimising the beam formation direction in an active medium with three-dimensional periodic perturbations is developed. This model is applicable to the refractive-index distributions that can be represented in a multiplicative form with separated variables. The analysis of the actual structure of perturbations that appear behind the original nozzle assembly of a cw chemical laser has shown that the optimal direction of the beam formation lies in the region of partial self-compensation for distortions, which ensures an acceptable wave-front quality of the formed radiation.