MICROWAVE THEORY AND THE BREAKDOWN OF GASES BY RUBY LASER RADIATION,
Abstract
Microwave breakdown theory is extrapolated to the 6943 Angstroms, ruby laser wavelength. The need for breakdown criterion other than that for the critical plasma frequency, sometimes used in microwave breakdown, is shown. A suitable criterion is developed from the solution of the electron density continuity equation, including recombination loss. A solution for the breakdown electric field strength, or power density, for the pulsed ruby laser in air as a function of pressure is obtained. The effect of varying pulse duration, initial electron density, and characteristic diffusion length is shown. A minimum power density of 10 to the 12th power watts/sq. cm is predicted for breakdown of air by ruby laser radiation. The extent of accuracy of the results of extrapolating microwave breakdown theory to optical laser breakdown is discussed; and there is speculation on the possibility of additional effects peculiar to laser breakdown. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 31, 1963
- Accession Number
- AD0428865
Entities
People
- Richard G. Tomlinson
Organizations
- Ohio State University