Abstract: A laser resonator is combined with a circuitous detonation channel to which is fed a suitable explosive gas mixture. The gas mixture is ignited, thereby creating travelling detonation waves which are maintained in circulation around the detonation channel. A population inversion is produced in the detonation product by exhausting the products via a convergent-divergent supersonic expansion nozzle. The products then pass through the laser resonator. At least one substantially linear portion is formed in a detonation channel circuit with the supersonic expansion nozzle being formed in this section of the detonation channel. The optical axis of the laser resonator is oriented to be substantially parallel to a slit nozzle which forms the supersonic expansion nozzle to thereby achieve a large ratio of active length to diameter of the laser resonator.

Abstract: In a high-power laser system it is proposed that combustion or compressor gases be diverted from the normal flow path through a gas turbine engine into an auxiliary flowpath, and that their composition be subsequently adjusted by burning at least one hydrocarbon fuel in them and possibly also by adding other fuels and substances. Suitable aerodynamic expansion of the resultant gases produces a population inversion in the CO.sub.2 species, which can be utilized in a laser.