Optimization of an explosively pumped photo-dissociation iodine laser with phase conjugation

Simulations of an explosively pumped two-stage photo-dissociation iodine laser with an SBS mirror at laser aperture 15 cm have shown a good agreement of calculation and experimental data on energy, laser power dynamics, brightness and Strehl number of output radiation. Calculations and experiments show that parasitic reflections of laser radiation from the windows of amplifiers and elements of the optical scheme are a reason that the brightness value is frequently less than maximum possible one. It is found that the input intensity should exceed 10-20 W/cm 2 for eliminating the harmful effect of parasitic reflections on brightness. The brightness increasing is promoted as well by reducing the SBS threshold and displacing the second amplifier towards the SBS mirror at retaining a total length of the system. Under optimal conditions the maximal brightness reaches 10 12 J/sr.