The Investigation of the Laser-Initiated Discharge Spark Channel,

Abstract

The paper deals with experimental investigations of the laser-triggered spark gap (LTSG) for nanosecond pulse formation. Experimental values for the delay time as a function of laser energy and laser beam focus location, along with electrode spacing and pressure have been determined. A high-speed two-frame schlieren method has been developed for LTSG research. This method makes it possible to photograph with an exposure time of about 4 ns and a given space resolution. The expansion velocity of the spark channel has been measured and an analysis made of the gas-dynamic processes occurring in the spark gap under different conditions. The results of an approximate calculation of the discharge model are in agreement with experimental data. Minimum risetime is evaluated using the proposed model. It is shown that the use of laser methods for discharge gap commutation makes it possible to form light pulses of less than 100 ps duration. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 04, 1972
Accession Number
AD0747510

Entities

People

  • A. S. Shikanov
  • G. V. Sklizkov
  • N. N. Zorev
  • S. I. Fedotov

Organizations

  • National Air and Space Intelligence Center

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Agreements
  • Electrodes
  • Experimental Data
  • Laser Beams
  • Lasers
  • Light Pulses
  • Light Sources
  • Nanosecond Time
  • Photographs
  • Photography
  • Spark Gaps

Fields of Study

  • Engineering
  • Physics

Readers

  • Combustion Dynamics and Shock Wave Physics.
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Pulsed Power and Plasma Physics.

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy
  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster