Generation of atomic iodine for a COIL via atomic fluorine at higher pressure

Abstract

New results of experimental investigation of the chemical generation of atomic iodine for a Chemical Oxygen-Iodine Laser (COIL) are presented. Atomic fluorine was produced at first step by the reaction of molecular fluorine with nitrogen oxide. At second step atomic fluorine reacted with hydrogen iodide producing atomic iodine. It follows from obtained results that two experimental arrangements may be used in COIL. First, atomic F generated in a separate reactor may be injected into singlet oxygen stream with a subsequent HI injection. Second, atomic I may be produced in a separate reactor and then injected into a singlet oxygen stream. It was found that yield of the atomic iodine in the second arrangement may be higher, but a higher loss of I atoms at I atoms injection is anticipated due to wall recombination. The processes of I atoms and F atoms injection will be investigated in a near future.