DIRECT MEASUREMENT OF O-2(A(1)DELTA) AND O-2(X-3-SIGMA) IN CHEMICAL OXYGEN-IODINE LASERS WITH USE OF SPONTANEOUS RAMAN IMAGING

A spontaneous Raman imaging System (SRIS) has been developed that can monitor chemical oxygen-iodine laser (COIL) singlet oxygen generator ( SOG) performance in real time. This system permits one to monitor dire ctly the SOG performance by measuring O-2(a(1) Delta) and O-2(X-3 Sigm a) simultaneously with a single intensified CCD allay at the exit of a n imaging monochromator. We present the results from tests conducted o n a 0.25-mol SOG using a prototype Raman system. Performance and valid ation of a highly sensitive SRIS that was designed and built specifica lly for SOG diagnostics are discussed. Detection and possible interfer ences of other species relevant to COIL devices such as I-2 and Cl-2 a re investigated. (C) 1998 Optical Society of America.