Centrifugal gasdynamic window
AssigneeCalspan Corporation
InventorFrank J. Stoddard
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An unimpeded optical path across a low-pressure supersonic stream of a high-power laser is achieved by rotating a window assembly at a predetermined constant speed. The centrifugal gasdynamic window assembly acts as a centrifugal compressor with no net radial flow. The no net radial flow condition is achieved by matching the compression ratio to the pressure difference between the flowing laser medium and ambient.
Claims3
In a flowing gas laser having a laser tube with radially extending ports for the passage of a laser beam, the improvement consisting of a centrifugal gasdynamic window assembly for establishing a fluid seal between a laser medium in the laser tube and ambient atmosphere while permitting passage of the laser beam through the radially extending ports and including:
- two rotatable discs;
- means for maintaining said discs in a spaced relationship and on respective sides of said ports;
- means for causing said discs to rotate as a unit at a predetermined speed about the laser tube whereby a radially extending pressure gradient is established between said discs which prevents flow between the laser medium and atmosphere while permitting passage of the laser beam between said discs.
In a flowing gas laser having a laser tube with radially extending ports for the passage of a laser beam, the improvement consisting of a centrifugal gasdynamic window assembly for establishing a fluid seal between a laser medium in the laser tube and ambient atmosphere while permitting passage of the laser beam through the radially extending ports and including:
- a plurality of rotatable discs;
- means for maintaining said discs in an axially spaced relationship corresponding to the axial extent of said ports;
- means for causing said discs to rotate at a predetermined speed about the laser tube whereby a radially extending pressure gradient is established between said discs which prevents flow between the laser medium and atmosphere while permitting passage of the laser beam between said discs.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.