THEORETICAL MODELING OF CHEMICAL GENERATORS PRODUCING O2(1-DELTA) AT HIGH-PRESSURE FOR CHEMICALLY PUMPED IODINE LASERS

A theoretical model is developed for chemical generators producing O2(1DELTA) at high pressure. Such generators are especially important for supersonic chemical oxygen-iodine lasers. The model treats different types of generators, e.g., bubble-column, film, aerosol, and jet generators. The main factor affecting the O2(1DELTA) yield under high pressure is liquid-phase quenching enhanced by depletion of HO2- ions near the gas/liquid interface. Simple analytical expressions are derived for the O2(1DELTA) yield at the exit of the generator. Output characteristics of different specific generators are calculated and compared with available experimental results. O2(1DELTA) yield > 0. 5 can be achieved for oxygen pressure up to 50 Torr and flow rates of 3 mmol/cm2 s. For equal velocities of the gas and the liquid the maximum flux of the energy carried by O2(1DELTA) for jet or aerosol generators reaches 200 W/cm2. It can be increased the liquid velocity in the generator.