Manufacturing Methods Program - 5 W CW Argon Ion Laser. Volume I. Argon Ion Laser Manufacturing Methods.
Abstract
The purpose of this program was to investigate areas of technology which would increase the performance or simplify the manufacture of multiwatt airborne cw argon ion lasers. The 3057H system, consisting of the 3157H laser head and the 3557H laser power supply, were developed as embodiments of the results of the investigations. The results of this program are contained in a three-volume final report. Volume I is a technical report describing the key device technology, design features, test results, and production methods associated with the program. Volume II contains installation, operation, and servicing instructions for the system. Volume III contains the documentation necessary for the quantity production of the laser system. The 3157H is a rugged, lightweight (32 pounds), laser head of 25 inches length and nominal 5 watt cw output power. The 3557H power supply uses switching regulation to handle 11 kilowatts from a 400 Hz, 3-phase line in a 1.1 cu ft, 58-lb. package. The system is fully protected by interlocks and is cooled with dielectric coolant and a liquid heat exchanger. Some of the areas investigated during the design phases of the program were the characteristics of beryllia segments fabricated by various methods with respect to use for the discharge tube bore, methods of producing a bakeable laser window seal, and the development of tube processing schedules to produce long tube life and the elimination of internal window films.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1973
- Accession Number
- AD0912888
Entities
People
- A. Stevens Halsted
- Thomas F. Johnston Jr.
Organizations
- Hughes Aircraft Company