Long-wavelength acoustic decay in compact laser flow loops

A linear theory for the asymptotic decay of acoustic disturbances in a compact pulsed laser flow loop is developed. This is the first such theory to address the phenomena in a closed finite-length flow loop, as opposed to an open or infinite-length flow loop. The linear theory agrees well with nonlinear numerical simulation results and identifies the controlling parameters and scaling relationships important to the design of compact laser flow loops.