Gain generator optimization for hydrogen fluoride overtone and fundamental chemical lasers

William Anthony Duncan; Stanley P. Patterson; Bruce Rusty Graves; Jeffrey L. Sollee; Gordon N. Yonehara; John P. Dering

doi:10.1117/12.145210

6 June 1993 Gain generator optimization for hydrogen fluoride overtone and fundamental chemical lasers

William Anthony Duncan, Stanley P. Patterson, Bruce Rusty Graves, Jeffrey L. Sollee, Gordon N. Yonehara, John P. Dering

Proceedings Volume 1871, Intense Laser Beams and Applications; (1993) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.145210
Event: OE/LASE'93: Optics, Electro-Optics, and Laser Applications in Scienceand Engineering, 1993, Los Angeles, CA, United States

Abstract

The hydrogen fluoride (HF) chemical laser is the baseline concept for SDIO space based laser (SBL) weapons systems. Ground based tests at power levels appropriate for this application have been demonstrated. Because the brightness of a laser beam projected to the far field is inversely proportional to the square of the wavelength, shorter wavelengths are desirable to enhance brightness on target. Development of the HF overtone chemical laser ((lambda) equals 1.3 - 1.4 micrometers ) as a growth technology for SBL applications has proceeded rapidly during the past several years. This paper reviews the parametric characterization and optimization of the Hypersonic, Low-Temperature (HYLTE) nozzle concept for HF overtone and HF fundamental performance. The experiments utilize advanced multilayer dielectric coatings on uncooled silicon substrates. The experimental results reported include laser power, small signal gain, mode footprint, and spectral content. The design of a multiple nozzle HYLTE module as a building block to an advanced high power HF chemical laser device is presented. Design philosophy emphasizes traceability from an intermediate size linear module to a full scale cylindrical gain generator for SBL applications. The key issues addressed are power scalability, fabricability, regenerative cooling capability, and thermal/structural performance.

Citation Download Citation

William Anthony Duncan, Stanley P. Patterson, Bruce Rusty Graves, Jeffrey L. Sollee, Gordon N. Yonehara, and John P. Dering "Gain generator optimization for hydrogen fluoride overtone and fundamental chemical lasers", Proc. SPIE 1871, Intense Laser Beams and Applications, (6 June 1993); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.145210

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available

Members: $17.00

Non-members: $21.00 ADD TO CART

PROCEEDINGS
12 PAGES

DOWNLOAD PAPER SAVE TO MY LIBRARY

GET CITATION

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

Get copyright permission Get copyright permission on Copyright Marketplace

KEYWORDS

Optical coatings

Hydrogen fluoride lasers

Mirrors

Space based lasers

Chemical lasers

Absorption

Reflectivity

Show All Keywords

Keywords/Phrases

Search In:

Publication Years