High Energy Optical Resonance Transfer Laser Study

Abstract : This report describes the first half of an experimental study of the HF laser pumped Optical Resonance Transfer Laser (ORTL). Several molecular systems were investigated including HF/HBr, HF/DF, HF/HCl, and HF/HCN as well as the optically pumped HF laser. The latter exhibited the best overall performance in quantitative fluorescence spectroscopy experiments and laser demonstration experiments. New laser systems demonstrated were optically pumped HF, and the HF/DF (3.8 micrometers) and HF/HCN (3.9 micrometers) ORTL systems. Laser oscillation was achieved at pressures ranging from 25 torr to 110 torr. A maximum output power of 20 watts was achieved in the optically pumped HF laser.