Detailed investigation of the molecular kinetics in the active medium of a dc-excited fast-axial-flow CO2 laser using a high-resolution mid-IR spectrometer

David J. Toebaert; Maxim Spiridonov; Peter F. Muys; E. Desoppere

doi:10.1117/12.267771

3 March 1997 Detailed investigation of the molecular kinetics in the active medium of a dc-excited fast-axial-flow CO₂ laser using a high-resolution mid-IR spectrometer

David J. Toebaert, Maxim Spiridonov, Peter F. Muys, E. Desoppere

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Proceedings Volume 3090, 12th Symposium and School on High-Resolution Molecular Spectroscopy; (1997) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.267771
Event: 12th Symposium and School on High Resolution Molecular Spectroscopy, 1996, St. Petersburg, Russian Federation

Abstract

A 4.5 micrometer tunable-diode laser based molecular absorption spectrometer is used to investigate the rovibrational level populations in a fast-flowing He/N₂/CO₂ gas discharge. The variation of the rovibrational temperatures is determined over a wide range of discharge parameters relevant for laser action. Good agreement is obtained with a previously developed fully three-dimensional model of the gas flow and vibrational kinetics in non-lasing conditions. The main assumption of the three-temperature model, the near-coincidence of carbon dioxide bending mode temperature and rotational temperature is shown to hold true. In a next step the radial distribution of the vibrational energy is investigated for two different gas inlet sections. The inadequacy of visual observation of the side-light emission is demonstrated and design considerations are formulated. Finally the rovibrational temperatures are measured under lasing conditions, for two different output coupler reflectivities. A maximum electro-optic efficiency of 26% is reached at a carbon dioxide asymmetrical stretch mode temperature reduced to 900 K. Preliminary tests using the same spectrometer of a novel catalyst for CO recombination are reported and an efficiency of 21% is demonstrated under sealed-off operating conditions.

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David J. Toebaert, Maxim Spiridonov, Peter F. Muys, and E. Desoppere "Detailed investigation of the molecular kinetics in the active medium of a dc-excited fast-axial-flow CO₂ laser using a high-resolution mid-IR spectrometer", Proc. SPIE 3090, 12th Symposium and School on High-Resolution Molecular Spectroscopy, (3 March 1997); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.267771

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KEYWORDS

Spectroscopy

3D modeling

Carbon dioxide lasers

Molecular lasers

Molecular spectroscopy

Electro optical modeling

Carbon dioxide

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