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Title: Measurement of ultralow radiation-induced charge densities using picosecond mid-IR laser-induced breakdown

Journal Article · · Optica

We demonstrate that avalanche ionization breakdown of air with picosecond mid-infrared (mid-IR) laser pulses is an exceptionally sensitive and quantitative probe of extremely low concentrations of charged species. By exponentially increasing the electron density in the vicinity of a single seed atom or molecule to detectable levels, mid-IR electron avalanche is an analogue of single photon detection in photomultiplier tubes and can be useful in a range of applications. We apply the technique to meter-scale standoff detection of a radioactive source, sensitive to extremely low concentrations of radiation-induced negative ions down to ~ 10 3 cm - 3 , limited only by background. By imaging the location of spatially isolated avalanche breakdown sites, we directly measure these low densities and benchmark the performance of standoff detection diagnostics. We discuss implementation of this radiation detection scheme at ranges of 10–100 m and adapting the avalanche probe to detection of other low-density plasmas.

Research Organization:
Krell Institute, Ames, IA (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA); Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA); US Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR); US Department of the Navy, Office of Naval Research (ONR)
Grant/Contract Number:
NA0003864
OSTI ID:
1614431
Journal Information:
Optica, Vol. 6, Issue 6; ISSN 2334-2536
Publisher:
Optical Society of AmericaCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Citation Metrics:
Cited by: 9 works
Citation information provided by
Web of Science

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Absolute Measurement of Laser Ionization Yield in Atmospheric Pressure Range Gases over 14 Decades journal January 2020