Supression of laser breakdown by pulsed nonequilibrium ns discharge. (28th September 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Starikovskiy, A Y; Semenov, I E; Shneider, M N
• Is Part Of: Plasma sources science & technology. Volume 25:Number 5(2016:Oct.)
• Publication Date: 2016-09-28
• Subjects: laser spark -- nanosecond discharge -- electron avalanche -- nonequilibrium plasma; Plasma (Ionized gases) -- Periodicals; 530.44
• DOI: 10.1088/0963-0252/25/5/054008
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0963-0252

Abstract

Abstract: The avalanche ionization induced by infrared laser pulses was investigated in a pre-ionized argon gas. Pre-ionization was created by a high-voltage pulsed nanosecond discharge developed in the form of a fast ionization wave. Then, behind the front of ionization wave additional avalanche ionization was initiated by the focused Nd-YAG laser pulse. It was shown that the gas pre-ionization inhibits the laser spark generation. It was demonstrated that the suppression of laser spark development in the case of strong gas pre-ionization is because of fast electron energy transfer from the laser beam focal region. The main mechanism of this energy transfer is free electrons diffusion.