A NEW KIND OF RAPID-SCAN MONOCHROMATOR USEFUL FOR ANALYZING CHEMICAL LASERS

Abstract
A new rapid‐scan monochromator useful for analyzing chemical lasers has been evaluated. It consists of using a grating as part of the laser cavity and rotating one of the laser mirrors. The lasing lines are individually Q‐switched, increasing their intensities by a factor of 105. No limitation was found in the scan speed, and the theoretical spectral resolution of the grating was achieved. Because of the wavelength selection in the laser cavity, lines are brought out which otherwise would not lase.