Potential efficiencies of open-and closed-cycle CO, supersonic, electric-discharge lasers

Journal Article · Sat May 01 04:00:00 EDT 1976 · AIAA (Am. Inst. Aeronaut. Astronaut.) J.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2514/3.7130· OSTI ID:7185111

Monson, D J

Computed open- and closed-cycle system efficiencies (laser power output divided by electrical power input) are presented for a cw carbon monoxide, supersonic, electric-discharge laser. Closed-system results include the compressor power required to overcome stagnation pressure losses due to supersonic heat addition and a supersonic diffuser. The effect on the system efficiencies of varying several important parameters is shown. These parameters include: gas mixture, gas temperature, gas total temperature, gas density, total discharge energy loading, discharge efficiency, saturated gain coefficient, optical cavity size and location with respect to the discharge, and supersonic diffuser efficiency. Maximum open-cycle efficiency of 80 to 90 percent is predicted; the best closed-cycle result is 60 to 70 percent.

• Research Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
• OSTI ID: 7185111
• Journal Information: AIAA (Am. Inst. Aeronaut. Astronaut.) J.; (United States), Journal Name: AIAA (Am. Inst. Aeronaut. Astronaut.) J.; (United States) Vol. 14:5; ISSN AIAJA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
420300* -- Engineering-- Lasers-- (-1989)
CARBON MONOXIDE LASERS
EFFICIENCY
ELECTRIC DISCHARGES
GAS LASERS
LASERS
SPECIFICATIONS