High repetition rate continuously tunable CO2 laser system investigation.
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Date
1990
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Abstract
The purpose of this thesis was to investigate certain factors
important for the operation of a high repetition rate continuously
tunable CO2 laser. The tuning range of specific importance for
this research program was the R30 region within the ten micron
band, since this frequency is of great importance for the laser
isotope separation of uranium. This research program focused on:
(i) Lowering the pressure at which viable continuous tunability
could be achieved.
{ii)Resonator design and analysis.
{iii)Investigating the feasibility of using water capacitors in a
high repetition rate laser system.
A theoretical as well as an experimental investigation was done
into the use of CO2 isotopes to lower the pressure at which
continuous tunability in the R30, ten micron band could be
achieved.
A theoretical analysis was done into the use of a three mirror
resonator with an etalon and a grating to ensure single
longitudinal mode tuning in the R30 region. Such a resonator
was designed and experimental results obtained were compared
with those predicted by the theoretical analysis.
A study was done into the use of water as a dielectric medium
in a high repetition rate pulse power supply. A mathematical
model, describing the electric breakdown of water,was developed.
This was compared with published experimental results. Certain
parameters important for the design of a water capacitor were
experimentally measured. These include the intrinsic time
constant,dielectric constant and resistivity of the water. A design
proposal as well as a comparison between a water capacitor and
other capacitor technologies are presented.
Description
Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of Natal, Durban, 1990.
Keywords
Carbon dioxide lasers., Theses--Physics.