Advanced Chemical Iodine Lasers

Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) proposes to demonstrate the generation of singlet oxygen, O_2(a^1 delta), by a novel high-power, high-throughput, microwave induced plasma jet, as a potential source for an electrically pumped, recyclable chemical oxygen-iodine laser (COIL) system. The discharge concept employs a low-pressure, non-equilibrium adaptation of a method previously developed for atmospheric-pressure applications. The discharge effluent flow will be expanded through a supersonic nozzle and probed by advanced optical diagnostics previously developed at PSI. Small amounts of I_2 will be injected into the flow to gauge the overall performance of the system for excitation of the I(^2P_1/2) -> I(^2P_3/2) laser transition at 1.315 micrometer. The key diagnostics are (1) absolutely calibrated emission spectroscopy to determine concentrations, rotational temperatures, and vibrational populations of O_2(a^1 delta) and concentrations of I(^2P_1/2), and (2) tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy of atomic iodine to determine small signal gain, gas temperature, and quantities related to atomic iodine concentration. Successful completion of the Phase I work will lead directly to a Phase II program which is focused on the development and implementation of a singlet oxygen generation system which can be interfaced to existing COIL test beds for development of a prototype.