Preionization of pulsed gas lasers by radioactive source
Abstract
An alpha source of americium-241 is used to preionize transverse electrical-discharge gas lasers, enhancing the useful pressure range in a variety of gases. Of particular interest is the enhancement in electron-attaching gases, which corroborates speculations on the role of negative ions in preionization.
- Publication:
-
IEEE Journal of Quantum Electronics
- Pub Date:
- February 1978
- DOI:
- 10.1109/JQE.1978.1069737
- Bibcode:
- 1978IJQE...14...75B
- Keywords:
-
- Alpha Particles;
- Electric Discharges;
- Gas Ionization;
- Gas Lasers;
- Ionizing Radiation;
- Pulsed Lasers;
- Americium 241;
- Gas Pressure;
- Ionic Reactions;
- Preconditioning;
- Radioactive Isotopes;
- Lasers and Masers