A Waxicon Mirror-Electrode for Laser Initiated Discharge Channels.

Abstract

A reflecting waxicon (compound axicon) has been demonstrated to generate a smooth CO2 laser-induced breakdown plasma in atmospheric pressure air. The protruding central cone of the waxicon also functions as an electrode for 30 kV laser initiated discharges. The waxicon mirror-electrode has several advantages over conventional focusing systems for laser initiated discharges in unfiltered air: (1) Smoother laser induced breakdown plasma, (2) Concentration of laser energy deposition in the plasma near the tip electrode, (3) More compact laser initiated discharge experiments since long focal length lenses or mirrors are not required, and (4) A self contained focusing system - electrode for laser triggered switches.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 30, 1982
Accession Number
ADA123057

Entities

People

  • R. M. Gilgenbach

Organizations

  • University of Michigan

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Barometric Pressure
  • Carbon Dioxide Lasers
  • Classification
  • Electrodes
  • Engineering
  • Gas Dynamics
  • Gases
  • Hot Gases
  • Laser Beams
  • Laser Pulses
  • Lasers
  • Military Research
  • Nuclear Engineering
  • Photographs
  • Ruby Lasers
  • Security
  • Shock Waves

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Pulsed Power and Plasma Physics.

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy