Cyano compounds as fuels for HF or DF lasers

摘要

A cyano compound fuel selected from the group consisting of dicyanoacetylene (DCA), tetracyanoethylene (TCE), and tetracyanoethylene oxide (TCEO) when reacted with an oxidizer compound selected from the group consisting of fluorine (F.sub.2), nitrogen trifluoride (NF.sub.3), chlorine trifluoride (ClF.sub.3), chlorine pentafluoride (ClF.sub.5), and tetrafluorohydrazine (N.sub.2 F.sub.4) produces the F.sup.. atom concentration required for either HF or DF lasers. The reaction is accomplished in the presence of a diluent gas selected from nitrogen and helium. No deactivation species are among the gaseous species produced which include CF.sub.4, F.sup.. atoms, and N.sub.2 ; therefore, deactivation of the excited molecules, either HF or DF, which are responsible for the lasing in a HF or DF laser is prevented. A higher performance of the laser device can be achieved.