Charge transfer reaction laser with preionization means
A helium-nitrogen laser is described in which energy in the visible range is emitted as a result of charge transfer reaction between helium ions and nitrogen molecules. The helium and nitrogen are present in a gas mixture at several atmospheres pressure, with a nitrogen partial pressure on the order of less than one percent. Prior to applying a discharge pulse to the gas mixture at the high pressure by means of a pair of main discharge electrodes, the gas mixture is preionized to prevent arcing when the discharge pulse is applied. The preionization is achieved by the application of a high voltage across a pair of secondary electrodes which are spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to the spacing direction of the main discharge electrodes and the longitudinal axis of the space in which the gas mixture is contained. Feedback, by means of a pair of appropriately spaced mirrors, is provided to produce coherent energy pulses at a selected wavelength.
- Assignee:
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Patent Number(s):
- US 4088965
- OSTI ID:
- 6895953
- Resource Relation:
- Patent File Date: Filed date 12 Jul 1976
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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