Modeling a KrF laser-triggered SF{sub 6} spark gap

Journal Article · Tue Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1992 · Bulletin of the American Physical Society

OSTI ID:127939

Rodriguez, A E ^[1]

---

1. Tetra Corp., Albuquerque, NM (United States)

The author has modeled a KrF laser-triggered SF{sup 6} spark gap at various levels of detail. A one-dimensional mode of the laser-SF{sub 6} interaction includes the focused beam geometry, the laser pulse shape, nonlinear absorption of the laser, and multi-photon interactions with the SF{sub 6} and trace hydrocarbons. The dominant ionization mechanism is 2-photon excitation followed by 2-photon ionization. This model is incorporated in a one-dimensional model of the Formation and Propagation Streamers (FPS), which shows how streamers propagate from the laser-generated spark. Finally, a zero-dimensional analysis of the local kinetics at a critical point along the laser path showed that the laser not only triggers a streamer, but its photodetachment sustains the discharge which would otherwise be quenched by the strong attachment in SF{sub 6}.

• OSTI ID: 127939
• Report Number(s): CONF-920376--
• Journal Information: Bulletin of the American Physical Society, Journal Name: Bulletin of the American Physical Society Journal Issue: 9 Vol. 37; ISSN BAPSA6; ISSN 0003-0503
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
COMPUTERIZED SIMULATION
KRYPTON FLUORIDE LASERS
ONE-DIMENSIONAL CALCULATIONS
PULSE TECHNIQUES
SPARK GAPS
SULFUR FLUORIDES