Improved DF performance of a repetitively pulsed HF/DF laser using a deuterated compound

The DF performance of the compact, repetitively pulsed HF/DF chemical laser, described at the last GCL, has been improved by using C 6 D 12 instead of D 2 as deuterium donor. The output energy previously achieved with D 2 was low, less than 3 J per pulse compared to the HF energy of 10 J obtained with C 2 H 6 as hydrogen donor for the same experimental conditions. Unfortunately, it was not possible to employ C 2 D 6 because of the excessive cost of this deuterated compound. Therefore we made a search for a not too expensive deuterated hydrocarbon and we found that C 6 D 12 could be an interesting product. We first tested C 6 H 12 as a hydrogen donor instead of C 2 H 6 . Very good results were obtained on HF emission since the drop off in output energy was only about 5%. Consequently, C 6 D 12 was ordered and tested. Output pulse energy up to 8 J was achieved at a charging voltage of 43 kV and a total pressure of 120 torr. In repetitive operation, typical average power of 450 W was achieved at a repetition rate of 65 Hz.