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Electron number density measurement by ruby laser interferometry

Conference ·
OSTI ID:7294092
A pulsed ruby laser beam with 3 nsec full width at half magnitude is used to obtain space- and time-resolved, two-dimensional interferometric measurements of electron number density in CO/sub 2/-laser produced plasma in hydrogen near the focal spot. The focal plane of the CO/sub 2/ laser is arranged to be at the exit of a free-expansion jet, with the beam incident from the vacuum side. Several nanoseconds after breakdown, a shock wave is formed, propagating transverse to the incident laser beam direction. Behind the transverse propagating shock is an on axis density minimum, which results in laser-beam self trapping. During the initial pulse duration of the CO/sub 2/ laser, the radial boundary of the plasma column increases linearly in time.
Research Organization:
Princeton Univ., N.J. (USA). Plasma Physics Lab.
DOE Contract Number:
EY-76-C-02-3073
OSTI ID:
7294092
Report Number(s):
CONF-770725-1
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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