Control of extended high-voltage electric discharges in atmospheric air by UV KrF-laser radiation
- P N Lebedev Physical Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow (Russian Federation)
Experiments in the commutation of extended ({approx}1-m long) high-voltage (up to 390 kV) electric discharges were carried out with the aid of 100-ns long UV pulses of the GARPUN KrF laser, in which we demonstrated a one-and-a-half-fold lengthening of the discharge gap broken down in the presence of laser illumination. Total control of discharge trajectory along the direction of the laser beam was observed for a radiation energy of {approx}300 mJ (the corresponding intensity I = 5x10{sup 8} W cm{sup -2} and its attendant initial electron density Ne {approx} 10{sup 11} cm{sup -3}) and partial control for an energy of 40 mJ (I = 7x10{sup 7} W cm{sup -2}, Ne {approx} 8x10{sup 9} cm{sup -3}) with a 100% probability of breakdown. We discuss the advantages of employing a UV laser for active lightning protection in comparison with IR lasers and ultrashort-pulse laser systems. (interaction of laser radiation with matter)
- OSTI ID:
- 21544803
- Journal Information:
- Quantum Electronics (Woodbury, N.Y.), Vol. 41, Issue 3; Other Information: DOI: 10.1070/QE2011v041n03ABEH014477; ISSN 1063-7818
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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