GASEOUS ION LASER RESEARCH
Abstract
The results of a program to improve the reliability and operating characteristics of argon ion lasers are reported. This work on laser technology is a continuation of the earlier studies on excitation mechanisms, scaling laws, plasma properties, and laser technology which were described in a previous final report of the same title. Emphasis of the present work has been on life testing of cathodes and bore materials, evaluation of bore construction techniques (continuous, segmented, and disk bore structures), and improvement of operational characteristics. Both oxide and impregnated tungsten cathodes were evaluated under typical ion laser conditions in extended life tests. Extensive data were gathered on gas cleanup rate and on the amount of additional cathode heating which occurs when discharge current is drawn from the cathode. Promising laser bore materials were evaluated to determine resistance to ion sputtering cleanliness as a vacuum material, gas cleanup properties, and thermal characteristics. Materials tested and reported upon are pyrolytic graphite, graphite overcoated with pyrolytic graphite, graphite overcoated with tungsten, tungsten, quartz, and beryllia. The characteristics of lasers having bores constructed of thin disks spaced many disk-thicknesses apart are described. The output power, efficiency, resistance to erosion, and large heat dissipation capability demonstrated by tungsten disk-bore structures make this method of bore construction very attractive. The operation of argon ion lasers using periodic permanent magnets (PPM) to replace the conventional solenoid magnet was investigated. Modulation of the output beam by power supply ripple and discharge fluctuations was investigated.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1968
- Accession Number
- AD0841834
Entities
People
- A. S. Halsted
- G. N. Mercer
- W. B. Bridges
Organizations
- HRL Laboratories