Comparative analysis of characteristics of a supersonic cw chemical HF laser on molecular fluorine and nitrogen trifluoride

We have experimentally studied the characteristics of a supersonic cw chemical HF laser with a flat nozzle array based on a nozzle – nozzle reagent mixing scheme operating with the use of F₂ – D₂ – He and NF₃ – D₂ – He fuel compositions in an atomic fluorine generator. The active medium flow field pattern, its gas-dynamic characteristics, and the laser radiation spectrum are considered. The comparison of these characteristics has made it possible to establish a strong impact on the flow field (lasing zone length) of the chemical composition of the combustion products from the atomic fluorine generator. The gas-dynamic parameters of the active medium formed by using a NF₃ – D₂ – He fuel have turned out to be less acceptable in terms of the gas flow pressure recovery than in the case of F₂ – D₂ – He fuel, while the radiation spectrum was more preferable from the viewpoint of passing through the atmosphere. (paper)