Investigation of Ultraviolet Photoionization Sustained Discharge for Gas Lasers
Abstract
The objectives of this program are to investigate and improve ultraviolet (uv) photoionization plasma conditioning techniques, to perform the demonstration of a uv sustained electrical discharge atmospheric pressure CO2 laser, and to establish scalability limits. Experiments employing small scale discharge volumes established that in excess of 200 J/l-atm could be input to 1 atm CO2 laser mixture by the uv photoionization of an added low ionization potential organic molecule. Power extraction and small signal gain measurements were undertaken. Output energies in excess of 45 J/l-atm with pulse lengths to 37 microsec have been achieved. The limits of scalability of the uv sustained plasma conditioning technique are now being addressed. A large volume (20 x 20 x 100 cc) discharge device has been constructed with initial testing under way.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1974
- Accession Number
- ADA002462
Entities
People
- R. C. Lind
Organizations
- HRL Laboratories