Volume Ionization by Means of Laser Radiation in a Cesium Plasma Diode,
Abstract
The paper considers the possibility of enhancing neutralization of the interelectrode space charge in a cesium diode by the use of line radiation. Ionization results from a two-step process. The neutral cesium atoms are first raised to an excited electronic level by line radiation (typically from a solid-state laser). The excited neutrals, being within a few kT of the continuum, are then collisionally ionized by plasma electrons. A detailed consideration of the optical excitation cross sections and electron-neutral collision cross sections for the highly excited states suggests that plasma densities of 10 to the 15th power/cc can be produced. The thermal economics of this system appear to be attractive when compared to contact ionization and collisional ionization and collisional ionization as well as previously proposed schemes employing radiation. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 30, 1970
- Accession Number
- AD0715883
Entities
People
- C. Forbes Dewey Jr.
- Peter E. Oettinger
Organizations
- The Aerospace Corporation