High Power Alkali Vapor Lamps
Abstract
The objective of this contract is to develop and deliver prototype 8kW (input) alkali vapor lamps that emit 2 kW of output radiation in the major pumping bands of Nd:YAG laser material. The lamps are to be 10 inches long and 18mm or less in diameter; be readily recycled, and provide operational lifetimes of 100 hours or more. Lamps with transparent sapphire envelopes, 14.5mm in bore diameter, were built and operated successfully at input powers per unit length of 0.5kW/inch, more than one-half the design goal. These lamps were more efficient in pumping Nd:YAG than krypton arc lamps of the same length and input power, in spite of the fact that the alkali vapor pressure has not yet been adjusted to provide optimal spectral matching to the laser pumping bands. Also, tests on smaller bore lamps indicate that adding excess of argon or mercury to the standard K-Rb fill does not produce significant improvements in spectral matching. Spectrophotometric and calorimetric equipment developed for the program is described.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1971
- Accession Number
- AD0735951
Entities
People
- Lowell Noble