Fast nondamageable laser-pulse detector using gaseous plasma

Journal Article · Tue Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1980 · Appl. Phys. Lett.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.91684· OSTI ID:5314440

Bergmann, E E; McLellan, E J; Webb, J A

We investigated pulsed laser radiation detectors in which the emf is generated by the plasma formed when the radiation is focused onto a solid metal surface. We report on measurements made with 10.6-..mu..n laser pulses at peak power levels up to 100 MW. For an evacuated detector, we obtained signals >1 kV and subnanosecond rise times into a 50-..cap omega.. load. Detector performance is strongly modified with the introduction of a background gas. With one atmosphere of air, the detector produces signals on the order of 1 V and nanosecond response for pulse trains lasting 100 ns, and is thus a good qualitative beam monitor. With argon, krypton, or xenon at pressures on the order of 10 Torr, the detector generates ''trigger pulses'' of 250-V amplitude and <0.2-ns rise times. These detectors are indestructable.

• Research Organization: University of California, Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-36
• OSTI ID: 5314440
• Journal Information: Appl. Phys. Lett.; (United States), Journal Name: Appl. Phys. Lett.; (United States) Vol. 37:1; ISSN APPLA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
360605* -- Materials-- Radiation Effects
AIR
ARGON
DATA
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
ELEMENTS
FLUIDS
FOCUSING
GASES
INFORMATION
INFRARED RADIATION
KRYPTON
LASER RADIATION
LOW PRESSURE
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
MEDIUM PRESSURE
METALS
NONMETALS
PLASMA
POWER RANGE 10-100 MW
PULSE RISE TIME
PULSES
RADIATION DETECTORS
RADIATIONS
RARE GASES
SIGNALS
SURFACES
TIMING PROPERTIES
XENON