MD4 - A kinetic model and computer simulation for a pulsed DF-CO2chemical transfer laser

The chemical and energy transfer reactions involved in the helium-diluted DF-CO
2
chemical transfer laser system are discussed. Experimental and theoretical rate coefficient literature is reviewed and the most probable rates are selected for the kinetic model of the reaction system. Results of computer experiments show the relative importance of these reactions for pulsed laser simulation. Predicted laser performance is most sensitive to values of rate coefficients for DF-CO
2
transfer, collisional deactivation of CO
2
(00°1) by DF, and collisional deactivation of DF(υ) by D and F. A detailed investigation of the relationship of cavity and chemical mechanisms for two levels of initiation is presented for an initial composition of XF:1F
2
:1D
2
:8CO
2
:40He at 50 torr and 300 K with X = 0.1 and 0.01. For F = 0.01, a 260-μs pulse with six percent chemical efficiency is predicted, while the higher level initiation level (F = 0.1) produces a 52-μs pulse with eight percent efficiency.