Air Breakdown Studies.

Abstract

S 3 X 10 TO THE POWER OF 6 WATT/SQUARE CM. The breakdown occurred at a variable time after the onset of radiation, with delays typically in the 10 to 30-microsecond range, although both shorter and longer times were observed. Similar results were obtained with 20 to 30-micron diameter calcium carbonate particles. Open shutter and time-resolved photography showed that the breakdown was characterized by the formation of a pre-breakdown luminous vapor or plasma region. The laser used for the investigation was an electron beam-sustainer discharge gas laser with an output up to about 80 joules in a pulse of 100 microseconds duration. The laser beam was close to diffraction limited. The experiments were carried out at beam diameters ranging from 0.013 to 0.22 cm (at the half intensity points). (Author Modified Abstract)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 01, 1973
Accession Number
AD0759567

Entities

People

  • Anthony N. Pirri
  • Dennis J. Reilly
  • Robert E. Schlier

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Calcium Compounds
  • Corpuscular Radiation
  • Diameters
  • Electromagnetic Radiation
  • Electron Beams
  • Gas Lasers
  • Laser Beams
  • Lasers
  • Microsecond Time
  • Photography
  • Radiation

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Plasma Physics.
  • Pulsed Power and Plasma Physics.

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy
  • Directed Energy - Lasers
  • Microelectronics