Performance Characteristics of Jet-type Generator of Singlet Oxygen for Supersonic Chemical Oxygen-Iodine Laser*1

A jet-type singlet oxygen generator based on a gas-liquid chemical reaction yielding singlet oxygen, O2(1 Δ g), for pumping the supersonic chemical oxygen-iodine laser was investigated. In addition to O2(1 Δ g) and residual chlorine concentrations, a content of water formed during O2(1 Δ g) generation was estimated (because of its detrimental effect on lasing) in gas flowing from the generator to the laser active region. The experimental conditions were determined under which an effect of liquid droplets escaping from the generator was negligible, and accordingly, a content of water vapour was suppressed to a value corresponding to the saturated water vapour pressure. It was also proved that a reduction in the relative water content, and a consequent increase in the laser output power, could be achieved by increasing peroxide and hydroxide concentration in the generator liquid, and by decreasing a liquid temperature and a total pressure in the generator.