X-ray preionization of self-sustained, transverse excitation CO/sub 2/ laser discharges

Journal Article · Sun Sep 01 00:00:00 EDT 1985 · J. Appl. Phys.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.336019· OSTI ID:5421588

Jayaram, K; Alcock, A J

X rays with a mean energy of approx.50 keV produced by a flash x-ray source have been used to preionize high-pressure CO/sub 2/ laser mixtures so as to obtain uniform glow discharges. The x-ray exposure measured in the active volume was 1--2 mR/pulse with a pulse duration of 100 nsec (FWHM) which permitted specific energy inputs of up to 300 J/l atm. Glow discharges were obtained for a variety of pressures and gas mixtures including some which were helium-free or in which helium was replaced by argon. Further, a realistic comparison of UV and x-ray schemes was made under sealed-off conditions. X-ray preionization appears to be advantageous and the resulting discharges are shown to tolerate oxygen (up to 2.6%) better. Additives such as xenon or organic compounds were not necessary for obtaining uniform glow discharges.

• Research Organization: National Research Council of Canada, Division of Physics, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K1A 0R6
• OSTI ID: 5421588
• Journal Information: J. Appl. Phys.; (United States), Vol. 58:5
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
CARBON DIOXIDE LASERS
EXCITATION
GLOW DISCHARGES
ELECTRIC CONDUCTIVITY
IONIZATION
KEV RANGE 10-100
OPTICAL PUMPING
PUMPING
X RADIATION
X-RAY SOURCES
ELECTRIC DISCHARGES
ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
ENERGY RANGE
ENERGY-LEVEL TRANSITIONS
EQUIPMENT
GAS LASERS
IONIZING RADIATIONS
KEV RANGE
LASERS
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
RADIATION SOURCES
RADIATIONS
X-RAY EQUIPMENT
420300* - Engineering- Lasers- (-1989)