Efficient electric-discharge HCl chemical laser

The development of a pulsed electric-discharge chemical laser utilizing vibrational–rotational transitions in an HCl molecule (λ = 3.7–4.1 μm) and having record-high values of the pulse energy (E_HCl = 0.4 J) and electrical efficiency (η_HCl ≈ 30%) is reported. Lasing was observed simultaneously due to transitions in the HF molecule (λ = 2.6–3.1 μm) with E_HF = 0.9 J and η_HF = 60%. A high efficiency was achieved by using SF₆ molecules as donors of F atoms required for the laser pumping reaction and by using a chemical chain of length ν ≈ 7 in the reaction between H₂ and ClF.