A Method Of Rapidly Terminating The Current Pulses Applied To Recombination Lasers

Andrew K. Kidd; Colin A. Pirrie; Paul D. Culling; Clifford R. Weatherup

doi:10.1117/12.951333

10 April 1989 A Method Of Rapidly Terminating The Current Pulses Applied To Recombination Lasers

Andrew K. Kidd, Colin A. Pirrie, Paul D. Culling, Clifford R. Weatherup

Proceedings Volume 1046, Pulse Power for Lasers II; (1989) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.951333
Event: OE/LASE '89, 1989, Los Angeles, CA, United States

Abstract

This paper describes the design, construction and test results of a thyratron modulator circuit for use with high peak power metal vapour lasers in which the discharge current pulse through the laser is rapidly terminated. The circuit generates current pulses with peak amplitudes up to 300A and fall times of less than 7Ons (90%-10%). The system consists of a thyratron-switched capacitive discharge circuit in which the bypass element is a saturable inductor. Saturation of the magnetic core provides an alternative path for the discharge current. Furthermore, the point in time at which saturation occurs can be controlled by appropriate magnetic core biasing. This paper describes the operation of the circuit.

Citation Download Citation

Andrew K. Kidd, Colin A. Pirrie, Paul D. Culling, and Clifford R. Weatherup "A Method Of Rapidly Terminating The Current Pulses Applied To Recombination Lasers", Proc. SPIE 1046, Pulse Power for Lasers II, (10 April 1989); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.951333

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