Closed-Cycle ElectriCOIL Technology

"The primary objective of CU AerospaceOs Phase I work will be to develop all-gas-phase closed-cycle electrically assisted COIL (ElectriCOIL) technology. CU Aerospace (CUA) and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) believe that thischallenge can be surmounted with changes to gain generator research including 1) radically new O2(1D) generator subsystems which are amenable to closed-cycle operation; and 2) the total elimination of massive liquid phase laser fuel and pressure recoverysystems by use of closed-cycle operations. Many technologies will merge to lead to a successful demonstration of the ElectriCOIL concept. These include discharge and injection techniques, further work with the properties of oxygen discharges, as well asmaterials research. Our experienced team of investigators represents disciplines in Aerospace Engineering and Electrical Engineering that provide the necessary broad base and the combined background to be successful in this challenging research effort ina relatively short period of time. Our teamOs depth of research experience with DOD lasers gives us a very good probability of success and the payoff for success in this multi-disciplinary endeavor is unusually high. The resulting closed-cycle chemicaliodine laser has two primary markets D military and commercial. From a military standpoint, there will be a significant weight savings for BMDO Directed Energy programs as the massive quantit