Investigation of the Paschen Curve of Nitrogen via the Application of Nanosecond Pulsed ElectroMagnetic Radiation.
Abstract
In order to obtain lasing in microwave excited gases, a knowledge of the Paschen curve is required so that estimates can be made of the required intensity of the electromagnetic field for a given pulse duration. Data in the region below 10(exp-8) Torr-s with electromagnetic fields in excess of 10 kV/cm/Torr had been unobtainable due to technical limitations. The Paschen curve of nitrogen from pressures of 0.336 Torr via the application of nanosecond pulsed electromagnetic radiation has been investigated. Breakdown of the gas was achieved through pumping by short electromagnetic pulses and verified through the use of an optical multichannel analyzer. Previous investigations have utilized monofrequency electromagnetic signals. Adjustments for the short pulse nature of this investigation have been derived and are applied to the Paschen curve. Experiments have been conducted utilizing a pulser with machine parameters of 1 J delivered during 1.375 ns FWHM into a 50 omega coaxial line, at a peak power of 1 GW.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA290129
Entities
People
- David W. Scholfield