Catalytic control requirements for the stable operation of the closed-cycle, transversely excited atmospheric CO2 laser

Abstract

Using a comprehensive theoretical CO2 laser model, we calculated the amount of the catalytic conversion from CO to CO2, which is required for the stable and long-life operation of the closed-cycle, transversely excited atmospheric CO2 laser. The amount of the catalytic conversion was evaluated by the fractional conversion (η) defined as η=([CO]in−[CO]out)/[CO]in, where [CO]in and [CO]out are the CO molecules number density at the entrance and exit of the CO2 regenerator in the laser chamber, respectively. For the laser gas mixture of CO2/N2/He=15/15/70(%) and the output coupler reflectivity of 80%, an η of the CO2 regenerator greater than 0.22 is theoretically required to maintain the 95% level of the initial laser output energy at an input energy density and a laser gas clearing ratio CR of 176.1 J/ℓ and 2.0, respectively.