Improved repetition rate mixed isotope CO{sub 2} TEA laser

Journal Article · Mon Sep 15 04:00:00 EDT 2014 · Review of Scientific Instruments

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4896331· OSTI ID:22314283

A compact CO{sub 2} TEA laser has been developed for remote chemical detection that operates at a repetition rate of 250 Hz. It emits 700 mJ/pulse at 10.6 μm in a multimode beam with the {sup 12}C{sup 16}O{sub 2} isotope. With mixed {sup 12}C{sup 16}O{sub 2} plus {sup 13}C{sup 16}O{sub 2} isotopes it emits multiple lines in both isotope manifolds to improve detection of a broad range of chemicals. In particular, output pulse energies are 110 mJ/pulse at 9.77 μm, 250 mJ/pulse at 10 μm, and 550 mJ/pulse at 11.15 μm, useful for detection of the chemical agents Sarin, Tabun, and VX. Related work shows capability for long term sealed operation with a catalyst and an agile tuner at a wavelength shift rate of 200 Hz.

• OSTI ID: 22314283
• Journal Information: Review of Scientific Instruments, Journal Name: Review of Scientific Instruments Journal Issue: 9 Vol. 85; ISSN 0034-6748; ISSN RSINAK
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
CARBON 12
CARBON 13
CARBON DIOXIDE LASERS
CATALYSTS
DETECTION
HZ RANGE
OXYGEN 16
PULSES
WAVELENGTHS