The dissociation of I2 molecules at the optical axis of a supersonic chemical oxygen-iodine laser (COIL) was studied via detailed measurements and three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics calculations. The measurements, briefly reported in a recent paper [Rybalkin et al., Appl. Phys. Lett. 89, 021115 (2006)] and reanalyzed in detail here, revealed that the number N of consumed O2(aΔg1) molecules per dissociated I2 molecule depends on the experimental conditions: it is 4.5±0.4 for typical conditions and I2 densities applied for optimal operation of the COIL but increases at lower I2 densities. Comparing the measurements and the calculations enabled critical examination of previously proposed dissociation mechanisms and suggestion of a mechanism consistent with the experimental and theoretical results obtained in a supersonic COIL for the gain, temperature, I2 dissociation fraction, and N at the optical axis. The suggested mechanism combines the recent scheme of Azyazov and Heaven [AIAA J. 44, 1593 (2006)], where I2(A′Π2u3), I2(AΠ1u3), and O2(aΔg1,v) are significant dissociation intermediates, with the “standard” chain branching mechanism of Heidner III et al. [J. Phys. Chem. 87, 2348 (1983)], involving I(P1∕22) and I2(XΣg+1,v).

The gain and power in a supersonic chemical oxygen-iodine laser (COIL) are enhanced by applying dc corona/glow discharge in the transonic section of the secondary flow in the supersonic nozzle, dissociating I2 prior to its mixing with O2(Δ1). The loss of O2(Δ1) consumed for dissociation is thus reduced, and the consequent dissociation rate downstream of the discharge increases, resulting in up to 80% power enhancement. The implication of this method for COILs operating beyond the specific conditions reported here is assessed.

Direct measurements of the dissociation of I2 molecules at the optical axis of a supersonic chemical oxygen-iodine laser (COIL) as a function of I2 flow rate were carried out. This enabled us to determine the number of consumed O2(Δ1) molecules per dissociated I2 molecule. The number depends on the experimental conditions: it is 4.2±0.4 for typical conditions and I2 densities applied for the operation of the COIL, but increases at lower I2 densities. Possible dissociation mechanisms consistent with our results are discussed and the importance of dissociating I2 prior to its mixing with O2(Δ1) is stressed.

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