Abstract: A self-supporting laser diffuser flow energizer is described for improving the performance of radial flow lasers by providing novel means for pressure recovery, and comprises a self-sustaining suction means communicating with the laser cavity for changing the supersonic shock front configuration existing within a radial laser diffuser and thereby promoting the flow of gaseous laser medium within the laser cavity.

Abstract: A closed cycle, high repetition pulsed laser having a laser flow channel with an annular flow return surrounding the laser flow channel. Ultra high vacuum components and low out-gassing materials are used in the device. An externally driven axial flow fan is used for gas recirculation. A thyratron-switched low-inductance energy storage capacitor is used to provide a transverse discharge between profiled electrodes in the laser cavity.

Abstract: A supersonic diffuser having a plurality of blades therein for dividing the diffuser channel into a plurality of approximately axisymmetric ducts wherein a portion of said ducts ingest a boundary layer along at least one of the walls of the supersonic diffuser. The blades in the diffuser channel have their upstream ends bent away from the wall having the boundary layer to redirect the flow into the ducts. In one embodiment the wall between the duct having the boundary layer and the duct adjacent to the duct having the boundary layer is made in two sections with both sections being bent away from the wall having the boundary layer, to provide internal redistribution between the two ducts.