Method and apparatus for fast laser-pulse detection using gaseous plasmas
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
- OSTI ID:
- 5218435
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Method and apparatus for fast laser pulse detection using gaseous plasmas
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Related Subjects
LASER RADIATION
RADIATION DETECTION
LASER-PRODUCED PLASMA
AIR
ARGON
CARBON DIOXIDE LASERS
KRYPTON
PLASMA PRODUCTION
PULSED IRRADIATION
PULSES
XENON
DETECTION
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
ELEMENTS
FLUIDS
GAS LASERS
GASES
IRRADIATION
LASERS
NONMETALS
PLASMA
RADIATIONS
RARE GASES
440300* - Miscellaneous Instruments- (-1989)