Laser-plasma generation of currents along a conductive target
Abstract
Large electric currents have been observed along conductive targets on which plasma was initiated by means of spatially modulated radiation. Two successive pulses of TEA CO2laser with intensities I≤109 W/cm2 were used in the experiments. The most effective generation of the currents was observed during the second laser pulse delayed for 4 μs, when an asymmetric plasma ``grating'' was produced on the target. Two different mechanisms for generating such currents in a closed circuit have been established. One of them results from a dipole moment of plasma, while the other is due to the processes at plasma-surface interface. To obtain correct measurements of the voltage induced by a laser plasma, a fiber optical modulator of light has been used for the first time.
- Publication:
-
Journal of Applied Physics
- Pub Date:
- October 1990
- DOI:
- 10.1063/1.346408
- Bibcode:
- 1990JAP....68.3140K
- Keywords:
-
- Carbon Dioxide Lasers;
- Electric Current;
- Laser Plasmas;
- Laser Targets;
- Plasma Generators;
- Absorptivity;
- Dipole Moments;
- Electromotive Forces;
- Fiber Optics;
- Laser Target Interactions;
- Modulators;
- Plasma Physics