Gasdynamic Lasers: An Introduction

PrefaceAcknowledgmentsChapter I IntroductionChapter II Elementary Physics 2.1 Energy Levels and Population Inversion 2.2 Why Does a Population Inversion Make a Laser Work? 2.3 Definition and Calculation of Small-Signal GainChapter III Thermodynamics and Vibrational Kinetics of the CO2-N2-H2O OR He Gasdynamic Laser 3.1 Molecular Properties of CO2 and N2 3.2 Vibrational Energy and Population Distribution 3.3 Vibrational Kinetics 3.4 Vibrational Rate EquationsChapter IV Calculation Of Gasdynamic Laser Performance 4.1 Analysis of the Flow Field 4.2 Vibrational Model 4.3 Results 4.4 Comparison with Basov 4.5 Coupled and Uncoupled Flows 4.6 Recapitulation 4.7 Power ExtractionChapter V Comparison Between Theory and Experiment 5.1 Kinetic Rate Data 5.2 Nonequilibrium Gasdynamics 5.3 Small-Signal Gain 5.4 NOL 3-MW Arc Tunnel 5.5 NOL 12.7-cm Shock Tunnel 5.6 Arc Tunnel Experiments 5.7 Shock Tunnel Experiments 5.8 Other ExperimentsChapter VI Inversions Behind Normal Shock WavesChapter VII CO2-N2 Gasdynamic Lasers: State-Of-The-Art 7.1 Introduction 7.2 Increased H2O Content 7.3 Increased Temperature 7.4 Binary Scaling 7.5 Fuels for Gasdynamic LasersChapter VIII The Carbon Monoxide Gasdynamic Laser 8.1 Introduction 8.2 The Physical Process 8.3 Results 8.4 DisadvantageChapter IX Downstream Mixing Gasdynamic Lasers 9.1 Introduction 9.2 Problems 9.3 ResultsChapter X Optical Cavity Considerations for Gasdynamic Lasers 10.1 Introduction 10.2 Cavity Types 10.3 Causes of Beam Distortion in Gasdynamic LasersChapter XI Aerodynamic Windows 11.1 Introduction 11.2 Concepts 11.3 Results 11.4 SummaryChapter XII Diffusers 12.1 Introduction 12.2 Purpose of the Diffuser 12.3 Diffuser Flow Field 12.4 Normal Shock Recovery 12.5 Area Ratio 12.6 Drop-Out Pressure 12.7 Summary Appendix A Effect of Uncertainties in the Kinetic Rates Appendix B Vibrational Relaxation Times for the CO2-N2-H2O OR He System Appendix C The Teare Effect ReferencesIndex