Method and apparatus for fast laser-pulse detection using gaseous plasmas

Patent · Thu Jun 18 04:00:00 EDT 1981

OSTI ID:5218435

McLellan, E J; Webb, J A

The method and device of the instant invention is a detector of pulsed laser radiation which utilizes the electromotive force generated by the plasma formed when such radiation is focused onto a surface. Measurements are made with a 10.6 ..mu..m CO/sub 2/ laser capable of producing peak intensities of 10/sup 13/ W/cm/sup 2/ when directed through a converging lens. Evacuated detector response to such laser intensity if 1 kV signal peak amplitude and subnanosecond risetimes into a 50 ..cap omega.. load. Detector performance is found to be greatly altered with the introduction of a background gas. For example, with one atmosphere of air, the detector produces prompt signals of the order of 1 V with subnanosecond response for pulse trains lasting 100 ns. With argon, krypton, or zenon at pressures of the order of 10 torr, the detector generates trigger pulses of about 250 V amplitude and 0.2 ns risetimes. Such detectors are quite robust when irradiated with high intensity laser radiation and are useful for qualitative laser beam monitoring.

• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-36
• Assignee: Dept. of Energy
• Patent Number(s): None
• OSTI ID: 5218435
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

440300* -- Miscellaneous Instruments-- (-1989)
47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION
AIR
ARGON
CARBON DIOXIDE LASERS
DETECTION
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
ELEMENTS
FLUIDS
GAS LASERS
GASES
IRRADIATION
KRYPTON
LASER RADIATION
LASER-PRODUCED PLASMA
LASERS
NONMETALS
PLASMA
PLASMA PRODUCTION
PULSED IRRADIATION
PULSES
RADIATION DETECTION
RADIATIONS
RARE GASES
XENON