Gasdynamic solar powered laser

Apparatus for operation at a stabilized extraterrestrial geosynchronous satellite station for the conversion of solar radiation into a compact beam of infrared energy directed to perform work at a predetermined second station, comprising:

• gas laser means including:
• solar energy absorber means,
• transverse flow gas laser means, and
• thermal radiator means for radiation of degraded thermal energy,
• said transverse flow gas laser means being characterized by producing a compact beam of infrared radiation, when said solar energy absorber means is excited by solar energy, along a first path,
• solar radiation collector means normally oriented for maximum coupling of solar energy into said solar energy absorber means along a second path at a substantially right angle to said first path,
• radiant energy directive means coupled to said thermal radiator means for coupling degraded energy into space generally in at least a part of a plane substantially perpendicular to said second path and spaced from said first path whereby said thermal radiator means is substantially shielded from solar radiation and from said infrared beam,
• said solar energy absorber means, said transverse flow gas laser means, and said thermal radiator means forming closed envelope means of a common cavity for enclosure of a lasable gas, and
• gas conduit means connecting said common cavity at said thermal radiator means to said common cavity at said solar energy absorber means for forming closed loop gas conduit means,
• discharge valve means within said common cavity disposed between said solar energy absorber means and said transverse flow gas laser means, and
• pump means in serial relation in said gas conduit means for raising the pressure of gas within said solar energy absorber means to a predetermined level in cooperation with said solar energy when said discharge valve means is closed.