Formation of extended conducting channels in atmosphere
- A M Prokhorov General Physics Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow (Russian Federation)
Some mechanisms of the formation of an extended ({approx}1 km) conducting channel in atmosphere using the laser engine technology (Impul'sar program) are considered. The electric conductivity of a channel formed by electric explosion of a 90-{mu}m copper wire up to {approx}1.6 m long (in electric breakdown) at a voltage not higher than 10 kV is studied. The requirements to the products of laser engine exhaust to atmosphere for producing a conducting channel, containing dispersion and condensation aerosols of hot particles of copper oxides (CuO, Cu{sub 2}O) and copper with an oxidised surface (from 50 nm to 300 {mu}m in diameter), are formulated. Possible mechanisms of electric breakdown at the field strength E {>=} 52 V cm{sup -1} in the discharge gap are discussed. The electric conductivity of the channel formed by the laser plasma upon focusing the solid-state laser radiation on targets made of different materials has also been studied.
- OSTI ID:
- 22044015
- Journal Information:
- Quantum Electronics (Woodbury, N.Y.), Vol. 42, Issue 2; Other Information: Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 1063-7818
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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