Experiments in plasma initiation and laser absorption in flowing gases
Abstract
This report summarizes the preliminary results of experiments designed to characterize the thermal and gasdynamic behavior of laser-sustained plasmas in flowing argon. Calorimetric measurements of global absorption have been made over a range of laser power and pressure. Temperature field mappings yield preliminary estimates of thermal gas energy and radiative losses. An infrared imaging system has been used to study plasma properties as a function of power and flow rate. Spectroscopic and laser-induced fluorescence diagnostic systems, now being installed, are highlighted. Physical implications of the data are discussed, and results of a 2-D heat addition model are presented.
- Publication:
-
Annual Technical Report
- Pub Date:
- April 1985
- Bibcode:
- 1985uill.reptQ....K
- Keywords:
-
- Argon Plasma;
- Electric Propulsion;
- Laser Outputs;
- Plasma Diagnostics;
- Plasmas (Physics);
- Gas Flow;
- Gases;
- Initiation;
- Laser Induced Fluorescence;
- Lasers;
- Radiation Absorption;
- Two Dimensional Models;
- Lasers and Masers