Qualification of Diode Foil Materials for Excimer Lasers
Abstract
The Aurora facility at Los Alamos National Laboratory uses KrF excimer lasers to produce 248 nm light for inertial confinement fusion applications. Diodes in each amplifier produce relativistic electron beams to pump a Kr-F-Ar gas mixture. A foil is necessary to separate the vacuum diode from the laser gas. High tensile strength, high electron transmission, low ultraviolet reflectivity, and chemical compatibility with fluorine have been identified as requisite foil properties. Several different materials were acquired and tested for use as diode foils. Transmission and fluorine compatibility tests were performed using the Electron Gun Test Facility (EGTF) at Los Alamos. Off-line tests of tensile strength and reflectivity were performed. Titanium foil, which is commonly used as a diode foil, was found to generate solid and gaseous fluoride compounds, some of which are highly reactive in contact with water vapor.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA635187
Entities
People
- E. A. Rose
- R. G. Anderson
- R. P. Shurter
Organizations
- Los Alamos National Laboratory