Trapping and absorption of an axially directed CO$sub 2$ laser beam by a theta-pinch plasma

Journal Article · Tue Jan 15 04:00:00 EDT 1974 · Appl. Phys. Lett., v. 24, no. 2, pp. 93-95

OSTI ID:4337828

Amherd, N A; Vlases, G C

A deuterium-filled theta pinch was axially irradiated in the first half-cycle by a CO/sub 2/ laser to demonstrate the effects of beam trapping and absorption by a plasma. Peak ejectron densities were 5x10/sup 16/ cm/sup -3/ and the nonirradiatod axial temperature was about 1.3 eV. Detection of the laser radiation transmitted through the plasma showed that beam trapping occurred when the density profile had a minimium on axis, and the maximum laser-induced temperature increase of 2 eV occurred for irradiation at the time of maximum density, in agreement with invere bremsstrahlung predictions. Furthermore, the plasma emission histories indicated that the column underwent a laser-induced elongation of up to twice its original length. (auth)

• Research Organization: Aerospace Research Laboratory, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195
• NSA Number: NSA-29-023108
• OSTI ID: 4337828
• Journal Information: Appl. Phys. Lett., v. 24, no. 2, pp. 93-95, Journal Name: Appl. Phys. Lett., v. 24, no. 2, pp. 93-95; ISSN APPLA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

*PLASMA HEATING-- LASER-RADIATION HEATING
*THETA PINCH-- LASER RADIATION
ABSORPTION
CARBON DIOXIDE
DEUTERIUM
DEUTERIUM IONS
LASERS
N70100* --Physics--Controlled Thermonuclear Research-- Confinement & Heating
N70900 --Physics--Controlled Thermonuclear Research--Wave Phenomena
PLASMA
TRAPPING