Low-frequency, self-sustained oscillations in inductively coupled plasmas used for optical pumping
Abstract
We have investigated very low frequency, on the order of one hertz, self-pulsing in alkali-metal inductively-coupled plasmas (i.e., rf-discharge lamps). This self-pulsing has the potential to significantly vary signal-to-noise ratios and (via the ac-Stark shift) resonant frequencies in optically pumped atomic clocks and magnetometers (e.g., the atomic clocks now flying on GPS and Galileo global navigation system satellites). The phenomenon arises from a nonlinear interaction between the atomic physics of radiation trapping and the plasma's electrical nature. To explain the effect, we have developed an evaporation/condensation theory (EC theory) of the self-pulsing phenomenon.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Oct 24, 2014
- Source ID
- 10.1063/1.4899199
Entities
People
- J. Camparo
- J. Coffer
- Mingxiong Huang
- N. Encalada
Organizations
- The Aerospace Corporation
- United States Air Force