Fluid mechanical refracting gas prism and aerodynamics of E - beam sustained discharge in supersonic flow, both applicable to laser technology

Details are presented of extensive experimental tests of a 90 degree Venus Machine, a fluid mechanical optical control device which deflects a beam of light continuously through large angles. A motion-picture photographic technique was used to obtain extensive data under a variety of operating conditions on the size and shape of the light well, a region in the flow where light rays are trapped in near circular paths. The angular divergence of the laser beam leaving the Venus Machine was also measured for the same range of operating conditions. These experimental results, along with parallel theoretical work, have allowed a reasonably complete understanding of the operation of the present 90 degree device at low laser power levels and have indicated that potential exists for the design of Venus Machines of much higher performance and optical quality. Construction of a ruby laser and the necessary optical and detector systems for high-power Venus Machine transmission was completed. Preliminary calibration measurements with the detector system were made. Other experimental work is underway to find ways of improving the performance of electron-beam sustained electric discharge lasers. Some considerations include discharge boundary layer interactions and medium homogeneity. Preliminary results of the fundamental mechanisms of the interaction of electrical discharges of the glow type and the fluid mechanics as found in supersonic electric discharge lasers are briefly presented in this report.