Pulse-periodic chemical oxygen-iodine laser with active medium formation by volumetric electric discharge

The paper describes a study of pulse-periodic operation of a chemical oxygen-iodine laser. The generator in use was of the jet type with high chlorine utilization degree (g97%). Atomic iodine was released by dissociating methyl-iodide (CH 3 I) in volumetric electric discharge. Steady lasing was achieved at a repetition rate up to 30 Hz. The emission energy attained per individual pulse in a train was 1.1 J at a pulse energy repeatability of (3÷5) % and a specific energy extraction from the active medium of 1.7 J/L. The lasing pulse duration depended on the concentration of methyl-iodide and the energy deposited into discharge. The minimal half-height duration of pulses was achieved as 10 mm at a concentration of atomic iodine in the laser cavity ~1a10 15 cm -3 .