Paper
12 May 1998 Closed-cycle 1-kHz-pulse-repetition-frequency HF(DF) laser
Michael R. Harris, A. V. Morris, Eric K. Gorton
Author Affiliations +
Abstract
We describe the design and performance of a closed cycle, high pulse repetition frequency HF(DF) laser. A short duration, glow discharge is formed in a 10 SF6:1 H2(D2) gas mixture at a total pressure of approximately 110 torr. A pair of profiled electrodes define a 15 X 0.5 X 0.5 cm3 discharge volume through which gas flow is forced in the direction transverse to the optical axis. A centrifugal fan provides adequate gas flow to enable operation up to 3 kHz repetition frequency. The fan also passes the gas through a scrubber cell in which ground state HF(DF) is eliminated from the gas stream. An automated gas make-up system replenishes the spent fuel gases removed by the scrubber. Total gas admission is regulated by monitoring the system pressure, whilst the correct fuel balance is maintained through measurement of the discharge voltage. The HF(DF) generation rate is determined to be close to 5 X 1019 molecules per second per watt of laser output. Typical mean laser output powers of up to 3 watts can be delivered for extended periods of time. The primary limitation to life is found to be the discharge pre- ionization system. A distributed resistance corona pre- ionizer is shown to be advantageous when compared with an alternative arc array scheme.
© (1998) COPYRIGHT Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Michael R. Harris, A. V. Morris, and Eric K. Gorton "Closed-cycle 1-kHz-pulse-repetition-frequency HF(DF) laser", Proc. SPIE 3268, Gas and Chemical Lasers and Intense Beam Applications, (12 May 1998); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.308073
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Cited by 4 scholarly publications and 1 patent.
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KEYWORDS
Fluctuations and noise

Molecules

Pulsed laser operation

Electrodes

Gases

Silicon

Zeolites

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