Development of High-Power HF Chemical Laser Initiated by Electron Beam

Abstract

To develop a high-power HF chemical laserinitiated by an intense electronbeam, we constructed the coaxial-type Marx generator as an electron-beam initiator of HF lasers and the laser system including the external magnetic field coils for guiding an e-beam transport, and the high pressure relief system.The stable gas mixing procedure by adding a trace of O2, and the laser action at a mixing ratio of F2/02/H2=1/0.3/0.3 and at total pressures of up to 800 Torr have been realized. The maximum HF laser energy obtained is 180J/pulse at an intrinsic efficiency of 200%. The overall efficiency defined by the ratio of the laser energy extracted to the electrical energy stored in the Marx generator is as high as 18.9%. This results clarified high efficiencies of the coaxial Marx generator developed and the H2/F2 chemical laser initiated by the electron beam.