Mechanism for the low-threshold breakdown of weakly ionized gas by optical radiation
Abstract
A new mechanism for lowering the threshold of optical breakdown in weakly ionized vapors is presented. It is suggested that the development of avalanche in the vapor is caused by ionization of excited atoms. In spite of the fact that the number of excited atoms in the heated vapor is small, the rate of avalanche development is significantly greater than for the case of ionization of unexcited atoms. As an example, the optical breakdown threshold for Al2O3 particles is calculated for a laser frequency of 1.06 microns and a pulse duration of .0005 sec.
- Publication:
-
Pisma v Zhurnal Tekhnischeskoi Fiziki
- Pub Date:
- May 1978
- Bibcode:
- 1978PZhTF...4..619K
- Keywords:
-
- Ionized Gases;
- Laser Applications;
- Optical Pumping;
- Photodissociation;
- Photoionization;
- Threshold Currents;
- Aluminum Oxides;
- Atomic Excitations;
- Avalanches;
- Pulse Duration;
- Atomic and Molecular Physics