In this article, Hydrogen fluoride laser will be addressed from various perspectives, with the aim of delving into its importance, incidence and relevance today. Along these lines, different aspects related to Hydrogen fluoride laser will be analyzed, focusing on its evolution over time, its impact on society and its influence in different areas. Likewise, relevant data, studies and reflections will be presented that will allow the reader to obtain a comprehensive and enriching vision about Hydrogen fluoride laser. From its origins to its current situation, through its implications in the cultural, social, political or economic sphere, this article aims to shed light on Hydrogen fluoride laser and generate a space for reflection and debate around this very transcendental topic.
Type of chemical laser
The hydrogen fluoride laser is an infraredchemical laser. It is capable of delivering continuous output power in the megawatt range.[1]
Hydrogen fluoride lasers operate at the wavelength of 2.7–2.9 μm. This wavelength is absorbed by the atmosphere, effectively attenuating the beam and reducing its reach, unless used in a vacuum environment. However, when deuterium is used instead of hydrogen, the deuterium fluoride lases at the wavelength of about 3.8 μm. This makes the deuterium fluoride laser usable for terrestrial operations.[2]
Deuterium fluoride laser
The deuterium fluoride laser constructionally resembles a rocket engine. In the combustion chamber, ethylene is burned in nitrogen trifluoride. This reaction produces free excited fluorineradicals. Just after the nozzle, the mixture of helium and hydrogen or deuterium gas is injected to the exhaust stream; the hydrogen or deuterium reacts with the fluorine radicals, producing excited molecules of deuterium fluoride or hydrogen fluoride. The excited molecules then undergo stimulated emission in the optical resonator region of the laser.[3]
An Argentine-American physicist and accused spy, Leonardo Mascheroni, has proposed the idea of using hydrogen fluoride lasers to produce nuclear fusion.[5]
^McLeary, R. (1984). "REPORT MRL-R-931"(PDF). Defence Science and Technology Organisation. 931 (1): 19. Archived(PDF) from the original on 2022-08-22. Retrieved 2022-08-22 – via Australian Government.