Close Coupling of Excited Oxygen with Iodine Injection in COIL Lasers

Directed Energy Solutions (DES) and the University of Denver Research Institute propose a program aimed at revolutionary advancement of the current technology used in powering high-energy chemical iodine lasers. Our approach is to use a unique generator with a high specific surface area to produce high yields of singlet delta oxygen and transport the flow quickly to the laser nozzle. The laser nozzle is a unique concept utilizing a rapid mixing section. In this Phase I effort we will utilize a unique generator laboratory to experimentally validate this concept. The goal for this generator is to reduce transit time from the generator to the laser nozzle at flow rates >20 mmol/s SDO production which will substantially increase the power output from COIL lasers. We will also test novel mixing nozzles to determine mixing efficiency using a planar laser induced fluorescence technique to measure the I2 mixing efficiency under cold flow conditions.