Plasma channel optical pumping device and method
A device and method are disclosed for optically pumping a gaseous laser using blackbody radiation produced by a plasma channel which is formed from an electrical discharge between two electrodes spaced at opposite longitudinal ends of the laser. A preionization device which can comprise a laser or electron beam accelerator produces a preionization beam which is sufficient to cause an electrical discharge between the electrodes to initiate the plasma channel along the preionization path. The optical pumping energy is supplied by a high voltage power supply rather than by the preionization beam. High output optical intensities are produced by the laser due to the high temperature blackbody radiation produced by the plasma channel, in the same manner as an exploding wire type laser. However, unlike the exploding wire type laser, the disclosed invention can be operated in a repetitive manner by utilizing a repetitive pulsed preionization device. 5 figs.
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-36
- Assignee:
- Dept. of Energy, Washington, DC (United States)
- Patent Number(s):
- US 4390992; A
- Application Number:
- PPN: US 6-284151
- OSTI ID:
- 7002285
- Resource Relation:
- Patent File Date: 17 Jul 1981
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Plasma channel optical-pumping device and method
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