Trapping and absorption of an axially directed CO/sub 2/ laser beam by a theta-pinch plasma

Journal Article · Tue Jan 15 04:00:00 EDT 1974 · Appl. Phys. Lett.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.1655108· OSTI ID:7329556

Amherd, N A; Vlases, G C

A deuterium-filled theta pinch was axially irradiated in the first half-cycle by a CO/sub 2/ laser to demonstrate the effects of beam trapping and absorption by a plasma. Peak electron densities were 5 x 10/sup 16/ cm/sup -3/ and the nonirradiated axial temperature was about 1.3 eV. Detection of the laser radiation transmitted through the plasma showed that beam trapping occurred when the density profile had a minimum on axis, and the maximum laser-induced temperature increase of 2 eV occurred for irradiation at the time of maximum density, in agreement with inverse bremsstrahlung predictions. Furthermore, the plasma emission histories indicated that the column underwent a laser-induced elongation of up to twice its original length.

• Research Organization: Univ. of Washington, Seattle
• OSTI ID: 7329556
• Journal Information: Appl. Phys. Lett.; (United States), Journal Name: Appl. Phys. Lett.; (United States) Vol. 24:2; ISSN APPLA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
700101* -- Fusion Energy-- Plasma Research-- Confinement
Heating
& Production
ABSORPTION
BREMSSTRAHLUNG
CARBON DIOXIDE LASERS
DEUTERIUM
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
ELECTRON DENSITY
GAS LASERS
HEATING
HYDROGEN ISOTOPES
ISOTOPES
LASER RADIATION
LASER-RADIATION HEATING
LASERS
LIGHT NUCLEI
LINEAR PINCH DEVICES
LINEAR THETA PINCH DEVICES
NUCLEI
ODD-ODD NUCLEI
OPEN PLASMA DEVICES
PINCH DEVICES
PLASMA HEATING
RADIATIONS
STABLE ISOTOPES
THERMONUCLEAR DEVICES