HF Chemical Lasers

Abstract

The very rapid reaction rate of the H₂ + F₂ chain reaction coupled with the efficient formation of chain carriers by fast electron beam radiolysis of F₂ and SF₆ provide laser power of about 10¹² watts/liter and qualify the HF chemical laser as a possible laser for driving compression fusion experiments. This laser differs radically from all other possible fusion lasers in that optical energy storage is not necessary. It derives its high power from the real time burn rate of the H₂ + F₂ fuel. The laser gain is very high, but of short duration making the amplifier system much simpler than those envisioned for low gain high storage lasers. Figure 1 shows the scheme. It has an oscillator, amplifier 1, and amplifier 2. The beam is split into the number of beams to be used in the experiment after amplifier 2. In the figure the beam is split into four. Each of the beams, C, D, E, and F, are amplified by a final amplifier and beam G is used for triggering spark gaps for the e-beam transmission lines for the final stage amplifiers.

Work performed under the auspices of the United States Atomic Energy Commission.