CW OPTICAL RESONANCE TRANSFER LASERS (ORTL)

Abstract
Wavelength-agile, single and multiline laser radiation has been obtained from a subsonic gas flow system which is optically pumped with a multiline chemical laser. This optical resonance transfer laser (ORTL) concept was first demonstrated on the 10.6µm DF/CO₂ system in 1976. Since then, several IR laser pumped molecular lasers have been demonstrated. The pump laser is either a cw HF or DF chemical laser. Two classes of ORTL have been developed : inter- and intramolecular ORTLs. The demonstrated intermolecular systems include : 10.6 µm DF/CO₂, 10.8 µm DF/N₂O, 4.1 µm DF/HBr, 3.8µm HF/DF and 3.85µm HF/HCN. The intramolecular ORTLS include 2.9µm HF/HF and 3.9µm DF/DF. Demonstration experiments and the kinetics of ORTL systems will be described.