Numerical Solution to the Boltzmann Equation for Use in Calculating Pumping Rates in a CO2 Discharge Laser.

摘要

The collisional Boltzmann equation was solved numerically to obtain excitation rates for use in a CO2 laser design program. The program was written in Microsoft QuickBasic for use on the IBM Personal Computer or equivalent. Program validation involved comparisons of computed transport coefficients with experimental data and previous theoretical work. Four different numerical algorithms were evaluated in terms of accuracy and efficiency. L-U decomposition was identified as the preferred approach. The calculated transport coefficients were found to agree with empirical data within one to five percent. The program was integrated into a CO2 laser design program. Studies were then performed to evaluate the effects on predicted laser output power and energy density as parameters affecting electron kinetics were changed. Plotting routines were written for both programs. Theses. (rrh)