Laser for high frequency modulated interferometry
A Stark-tuned laser operating in the 119 micron line of CH[sub 3]OH has an output power of several tens of milliwatts at 30 Watts of pump power while exhibiting a doublet splitting of about ten MHz with the application of a Stark field on the order of 500 volts/cm. This output power allows for use of the laser in a multi-channel interferometer, while its high operating frequency permits the interferometer to measure rapid electron density changes in a pellet injected or otherwise fueled plasma such as encountered in magnetic fusion devices. The laser includes a long far-infrared (FIR) pyrex resonator tube disposed within a cylindrical water jacket and incorporating charged electrodes for applying the Stark field to a gas confined therein. With the electrodes located within the resonator tube, the resonator tube walls are cooled by a flowing coolant without electrical breakdown in the coolant liquid during application of the Stark field. Wall cooling allows for substantially increased FIR output powers. Provision is made for introducing a buffer gas into the resonator tube for increasing laser output power and its operating bandwidth. 10 figures.
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC02-76CH03073
- Assignee:
- Dept. of Energy, Washington, DC (United States)
- Patent Number(s):
- US 5034952; A
- Application Number:
- PPN: US 7-446345
- OSTI ID:
- 7079381
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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A Stark-tuned, far-infrared laser for high frequency plasma diagnostics
A Stark-tuned, far-infrared laser for high frequency plasma diagnostics
Related Subjects
700320* -- Plasma Diagnostic Techniques & Instrumentation-- (1992-)
CONFINEMENT
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
ELECTRON DENSITY
FAR INFRARED RADIATION
GAS LASERS
INFRARED RADIATION
INTERFEROMETERS
INTERFEROMETRY
LASERS
MAGNETIC CONFINEMENT
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
PLASMA CONFINEMENT
PLASMA DIAGNOSTICS
RADIATIONS
THERMONUCLEAR DEVICES