Applications of Optogalvanic Effects in Opening Switches
Abstract
Optogalvanic effects are changes in the electrical properties of a gas discharge caused by illumination with radiation at a wavelength corresponding to an atomic or molecular transition. The resurgence of interest in optogalvanic effects stems in a large measure from the unique properties of lasers such as: the high powers, the tunability, the narrow bandwidths, and the controllability of pulse parameters. The most significant application of the effects is as a sensitive diagnostic tool for characterizing discharge processes and rate constants. However, mild discharges are ignited and extinguished using optogalvanic effects. Selected transitions produce positive optogalvanic effects (a decreased impedance), while other transitions produce negative optogalvanic. effects (an increased impedance). The resonant coupling of a laser and a discharge produces a large change in discharge current per absorbed unit of energy.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA639031
Entities
People
- A. H. Guenther
- J. E. Lawler
Organizations
- University of Wisconsin Madison Department of Physics