Microwave Excitation of Laser Gases
Abstract
The goal of this experiment was the creation of large numbers of electrons and helium (12 triplet S) metastables through the use of four microwave cavity discharges. The desire for gas ionization independent of the exciting field stems (1) from the increased efficiency available when lower exciting fields can be used, and (2) from the stabilizing effect of independent electron density control. The desire for helium metastable production stems from (1) additional electron creation via Penning ionization in a helium afterglow, and (2) increased metal-vapor laser pumping efficiency. The effective increase of the recombination coefficient due to electron cooling by added nitrogen was shown. The discovery of negative absorption of the 3889A line in a pure helium afterglow was made.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1974
- Accession Number
- AD0776349
Entities
People
- David R. Durham
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology