Plasma Electrode Pockels Cells for the Beamlet and NIF lasers
We describe Plasma Electrode Pockels Cells (PEPC) for the Beamlet laser and the proposed National Ignition Facility (NIF) laser. These PEPCs, together with passive polarizers, function as large aperture (> 35 {times} 35 cm{sup 2}) optical switches enabling the design of high-energy (> 5 kJ), multipass laser amplifiers. In a PEPC, plasma discharges form on both sides of a thin (1 cm) electro-optic crystal (KDP). These plasma discharges produce highly conductive and transparent electrodes that facilitate rapid (< 100 ns) and uniform charging of the KDP up to the half-wave voltage (17 kV) and back to zero volts. We discuss the operating principles, design, and optical performance of the Beamlet PEPC and briefly discuss our plans to extend PEPC technology for the NIF.
- Research Organization:
- Lawrence Livermore National Lab., CA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-48
- OSTI ID:
- 10174818
- Report Number(s):
- UCRL-JC-115579; CONF-940630-37; ON: DE94016541
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 11. topical meeting on the technology of fusion energy,New Orleans, LA (United States),19-24 Jun 1994; Other Information: PBD: May 1994
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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