NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Back to Results
Laser absorption phenomena in flowing gas devicesA theoretical and experimental investigation is presented of inverse Bremsstrahlung absorption of CW CO2 laser radiation in flowing gases seeded with alkali metals. In order to motivate this development, some simple models are described of several space missions which could use laser powered rocket vehicles. Design considerations are given for a test call to be used with a welding laser, using a diamond window for admission of laser radiation at power levels in excess of 10 kW. A detailed analysis of absorption conditions in the test cell is included. The experimental apparatus and test setup are described and the results of experiments presented. Injection of alkali seedant and steady state absorption of the laser radiation were successfully demonstrated, but problems with the durability of the diamond windows at higher powers prevented operation of the test cell as an effective laser powered thruster.
Document ID
19780010468
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Contractor Report (CR)
Authors
Chapman, P. K.
(Avco-Everett Research Lab. MA, United States)
Otis, J. H.
(Avco-Everett Research Lab. MA, United States)
Date Acquired
September 3, 2013
Publication Date
June 1, 1976
Subject Category
Lasers And Masers
Report/Patent Number
NASA-CR-135129
Accession Number
78N18411
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS3-18559
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
No Preview Available