Laser Pump Lamps
Abstract
The subject program was undertaken to develop technology for producing a potassium vapor arc lamp with a 3000 hour lifetime. The lamp is to be used as optical pump source in a Nd:YAG laser transmitter as part of a space communications system. The lamp lifetime goal was successfully achieved, a characteristic lifetime of approximately 6000 hours being demonstrated for lamps built late in the program. In addition, the final lamp satisfied virtually all other design and performance requirements. Most of the effort on the program was directed at developing supporting technology for the lamp. This work included solving problems of basal plane cracking and potassium vapor attack of the sapphire envelope, developing a long-lived cathode, determining the most efficient lamp fill, developing an oxidation protection coating for the Kovar endcaps, optimizing the Kovar-to-sapphire brazed seal design, conducting thermal design proof tests (including simulation of zero-g effects), improving the potassium filling procedure, developing an optimized lamp operating procedure, and conducting vibration tests.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1979
- Accession Number
- ADA072704
Entities
People
- Norman C. Anderson