Theoretical study of a supersonic high-repetition-rate H₂+F ₂-pumped HF laser

A numerical model for calculating the performance of a premixed pulsed supersonic HF chemical laser, pumped by the H₂+F₂ chain reaction, is presented. The laser kinetic equations, which are coupled to the supersonic gas dynamics and to the chemical equations, are integrated along the flow direction. The model which has been shown to accurately predict the measured gain coefficients, the lasing induction times, and the laser power output, has been used for parametric studies leading to a better understanding of the laser operation. Conditions for maximum gain and maximum laser energy for each of the input parameters were investigated. The lasing zone length in the flow direction was studied. A comparison between the experimental and calculated results shows that the model can be used to evaluate unknown chemical and energy transfer rates.