Magnetron cathodes in plasma electrode Pockels cells
Magnetron cathodes, which produce high current discharges, form greatly improved plasma electrodes on each side of an electro-optic crystal. The plasma electrode has a low pressure gas region on both sides of the crystal. When the gas is ionized, e.g., by a glow discharge in the low pressure gas, the plasma formed is a good conductor. The gas electrode acts as a highly uniform conducting electrode. Since the plasma is transparent to a high energy laser beam passing through the crystal, the plasma is transparent. A crystal exposed from two sides to such a plasma can be charged up uniformly to any desired voltage. A typical configuration utilizes helium at 50 millitorr operating pressure and 2 kA discharge current. The magnetron cathode produces a more uniform plasma and allows a reduced operating pressure which leads to lower plasma resistivity and a more uniform charge on the crystal. 5 figs.
- Issue Date:
- OSTI Identifier:
- 46316
- Assignee:
- Dept. of Energy, Washington, DC (United States) PTO; SCA: 420000; PA: EDB-95:078288; SN: 95001384521
- Patent Number(s):
- US 5,410,425/A/
- Application Number:
- PAN: 8-058,844
- Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-48
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: PBD: 25 Apr 1995
- Research Org:
- University of California
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
- Subject:
- 42 ENGINEERING NOT INCLUDED IN OTHER CATEGORIES; POCKELS CELL; CATHODES; IONIZATION; PLASMA PRODUCTION; ELECTRIC CONDUCTIVITY; LASER RADIATION; LIGHT TRANSMISSION