Kinetic modeling of an IBr solar pumped laser

The possibility of using an IBr laser as a solar-energy converter is examined theoretically, and reasons for its choice are given. Broadband absorption results in dissociation with the formation of excited metastable Br atoms, some of which then lase to the ground state Br. The ground state is depopulated by three-body recombination and, more importantly, by exchange reactions which more than compensate for the high quenching in heteronuclear halogen systems. Kinetic modeling indicates lasing is possible in the pulsed mode and possibly in the steady state with a cooled gas flow system. Temperature effects are discussed. The efficiency of the laser approaches 1.2 percent at optical thicknesses large enough for complete absorption of the photons.