Modeling of the ElectriCOIL system

• Published in: IEEE journal of quantum electronics 2003-09, Vol.39 (9), p.1150-1159
• Main Authors: Carroll, D.L., Verdeyen, J.T., King, D.M., Woodard, B.S., Skorski, L.W., Zimmerman, J.W., Solomon, W.C.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Atom lasers; Atomic beams; Atomic measurements; Chemical lasers; Complex systems; Electrical discharge; Electrodynamics; Exact sciences and technology; Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications); Gain; Kinetic theory; Laser excitation; Laser modes; Laser transitions; Lasers; Lasing; Optics; Packages; Physics; Pump lasers; Radio frequency; Studies; Supersonic flow
• ISSN: 0018-9197; 1558-1713
• DOI: 10.1109/JQE.2003.816091

Theoretical studies have indicated that sufficient fractions of O/sub 2/(/sup 1//spl Delta/) may be produced in an electrical discharge that will permit lasing of an electric discharge oxygen-iodine laser (ElectriCOIL) system. Results of those studies along with more recent experimental results show that electric excitation is a very complicated process that must be investigated with advanced diagnostics along with modeling to better understand this highly complex system. A kinetic package appropriate for the ElectriCOIL system is presented and implemented in the detailed electrodynamic GlobalKin model and the Blaze II chemical laser modeling code. A parametric study with the Blaze II model establishes that it may be possible to attain positive gain in the ElectriCOIL system, perhaps even with subsonic flow. The Blaze II model is in reasonable agreement with early gain data. Temperature is a critical issue, especially in the subsonic cases, and thus it appears that supersonic flow will be important for the ElectriCOIL system. Simulations of a supersonic ElectriCOIL system indicate that it may be possible to attain reasonable performance levels, even at low yield levels of 20% or less. In addition, pre-dissociation of the iodine is shown to be very important for the supersonic flow situation.