Phillips Laboratory COIL technology overview

The basic technology and performance of the chemically pumped oxygen-iodine laser is reviewed. The performance is discussed in terms of the operation of the chemical oxygen generator, the kinetics of energy transfer from oxygen to iodine, and the extraction of power by the optical resonator. Techniques for generation of excited oxygen and iodine are reviewed. In addition advanced concepts for switching the laser on and off, switching the polarization, and frequency shifting are discussed.