Power enhancement in chemical oxygen-iodine lasers by iodine predissociation via corona/glow discharge

摘要

The gain and power in a supersonic chemical oxygen-iodine laser (COIL) are enhanced by applying dc corona/glow discharge in the transonic section of the secondary flow in the supersonic nozzle, dissociating I_2 prior to its mixing with O_2(~1Δ). The loss of O_2(~1Δ) consumed for dissociation is thus reduced, and the consequent dissociation rate downstream of the discharge increases, resulting in up to 80% power enhancement. The implication of this method for COILs operating beyond the specific conditions reported here is assessed.