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A continuous HF chemical laser: Production of fluorine atoms by a microwave discharge

Journal Article · · J. Appl. Phys.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.323323· OSTI ID:7332606
We have used a slow-wave structure to dissociate SF/sub 6/ and obtain the fluorine atoms for a cw hydrogen fluoride chemical laser. The laser output power has been observed to increase linearly with the absorbed microwave power. The effect of rare gases in the mixture is discussed. It is shown that the laser power increases linearly with their ionization potentials. Those features indicate that electron collisions are essential for the generation of fluorine atoms. In this respect, contributions involving metastable atoms are negligible. No simple relation is observed between the intensity of the fluorine spectral lines in the discharge and the laser power. (AIP)
Research Organization:
Laboratoire d'optique et de spectroscopie, Departement de genie physique, Ecole Polytechnique, Campus de l'Universite de Montreal, Case postale 6079-Succursale ''A'', Montreal, Quebec, H3C 3A7, Canada
OSTI ID:
7332606
Journal Information:
J. Appl. Phys.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Appl. Phys.; (United States) Vol. 48:1; ISSN JAPIA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English