A recirculating, self-contained DF/HF pulsed laser

The operation of the first self-contained, recirculating, electrically initiated, pulsed chemical laser is reported. A unique combination of scrubber beds selectively removes ground-state DF(HF) and other deleterious gases from the recirculating gas flow. By providing a small gas replenishment, it is possible to operate the laser for extended periods of time with little loss in power. The processes that degrade the power output in the absence of chemical scrubbing are discussed.