Density inhomogeneity in a laser cavity due to energy release
By: by Allen E. Fuhs
Contributors: Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Publisher: Naval Postgraduate School
Published: 1972
Place of publication: Monterey, California
Language: eng
Number of pages: 15
Subjects: Gas lasers; Carbon dioxide lasers
Description: Density gradients, which refract laser light within the cavity, degrade beam quality. In addition to wall influences and viscous effects which cause density gradients, there is another mechanism. This mechanism, which is due to wakes and compression waves from heat (vibration energy to translation and rotation) addition in a supersonic stream, appears to have been overlooked. This appropriate equation is stated and discussed. A semigraphical solution procedure is outlined. Contours of constant density have been calculated for circular and rectangular cavities. Graphs of the isodensity contours are given. (Author)
Notes: Title from cover.

"May 1972"--Cover.

"NPS-57FU72051A"--Cover.

DTIC Identifiers: Carbon dioxide lasers, gas dynamics, lasers.

Author(s) key words: Gas dynamic lasers, electrical lasers, beam quality, supersonic heat addition.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 6)

"Approved for public release; distribution unlimited"--Cover.

Technical report; 1972.