A Disc-Loaded Microwave Guide for Laser Applications.
Abstract
A brass disc-loaded microwave cavity was built and the feasibility of using it as the pump for an argon ion laser was investigated. The cavity was 3 feet long and its insertion loss was measured to be 6.3 db. The voltage standing wave ratio for an empty cavity was found to be below 1.5 at all frequencies from 2425 MHz to 2475 MHz. A quartz laser tube was inserted in the microwave cavity and filled with .50 torr of argon. A uniform discharge was obtained with 180 W of input power, and a spectral analysis revealed that previously known laser transitions occurred in the discharge. A laser cavity was formed, and a 'fireball' was observed in the discharge. However, attempts to optimize the system to obtain lasing were not completed. It was concluded that improvements must be made to the cavity to decrease the insertion loss and to the power supply to more effectively couple power to the plasma. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1980
- Accession Number
- ADA094399
Entities
People
- Michael B. Tutin
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology