Use of a solid fuel in a gasdynamic laser

A solid fuel of the smokeless powder type was used in a gasdynamic laser. Thermochemical calculations of the product composition and temperature were made for combustion of the fuel in various gaseous media. Similar combustion conditions were used in the experiments. An analysis of the results of the experimental investigation and of the calculations was used to interpret the dependence of the laser output energy on the N₂/CO₂ ratio and the temperature in the combustion chamber, and also the role of the CO₂/H₂O ratio.