Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
- Keyword
-
- Laser beams (8)
- Semiconductor lasers (8)
- High power lasers (6)
- Lasers--Military applications (6)
- Atmospheric turbulence (5)
-
- Laser weapons (5)
- Optical fibers (5)
- Raman effect (5)
- Brillouin scattering (4)
- Gas lasers (4)
- Laser ablation (4)
- Lasers (4)
- Chemical kinetics (3)
- Glow discharges (3)
- Ionosphere (3)
- Laser beams--Scattering (3)
- Laser pulses (3)
- Light--Scattering (3)
- Plasma diagnostics (3)
- Shock waves (3)
- Actuators (2)
- Adaptive optics (2)
- Argon (2)
- Beam optics (2)
- Boltzmann equation (2)
- Cesium (2)
- Diode lasers (2)
- Diodes (2)
- Electrons (2)
- Fiber optics (2)
- Publication Year
- Publication Type
Articles 1 - 30 of 118
Full-Text Articles in Physics
Detailed Characterization Of A Khz-Rate Laser-Driven Fusion At A Thin Liquid Sheet With A Neutron Detection Suite, Benjamin M. Knight, Connor Gautam, Colton R. Stoner, Bryan V. Egner, Joseph R. Smith, Christopher M. Orban, Juan J. Manfredi, Kyle Frische, Michael L. Dexter, Enam A. Chowdury, Anil K. Patniak
Detailed Characterization Of A Khz-Rate Laser-Driven Fusion At A Thin Liquid Sheet With A Neutron Detection Suite, Benjamin M. Knight, Connor Gautam, Colton R. Stoner, Bryan V. Egner, Joseph R. Smith, Christopher M. Orban, Juan J. Manfredi, Kyle Frische, Michael L. Dexter, Enam A. Chowdury, Anil K. Patniak
Faculty Publications
We present detailed characterization of laser driven fusion and neutron production (∼105/second) employing 8 mJ, 40fs laser pulses on a thin (< 1 µm) D2O liquid sheet employing a measurement suite. At relativistic intensity (∼5×1018W/cm2) and high repetition-rate (1 kHz), the system produces consistent D-D fusion, allowing for consistent neutron generation. Evidence of D-D fusion neutron production is verified b y a measurement suite with three independent detection systems: an EJ-309 organic scintillator with pulse-shape discrimination, a 3He proportional counter, and a set of 36 bubble detectors. Time-of-flight analysis of the scintillator data shows …
Numerical Simulation Of Steady-State Thermal Blooming With Natural Convection, Jeremiah S. Lane, Justin Cook, Martin Richardson, Benjamin F. Akers
Numerical Simulation Of Steady-State Thermal Blooming With Natural Convection, Jeremiah S. Lane, Justin Cook, Martin Richardson, Benjamin F. Akers
Faculty Publications
This work investigates steady-state thermal blooming of a high-energy laser in the presence of laser-driven convection. While thermal blooming has historically been simulated with prescribed fluid velocities, the model introduced here solves for the fluid dynamics along the propagation path using a Boussinesq approximation to the incompressible Navier–Stokes equations. The resultant temperature fluctuations were coupled to refractive index fluctuations, and the beam propagation was modeled using the paraxial wave equation. Fixed-point methods were used to solve the fluid equations as well as to couple the beam propagation to the steady-state flow. The simulated results are discussed relative to recent experimental …
The Behavior Of Partially Coherent Twisted Space-Time Beams In Atmospheric Turbulence, Milo W. Hyde Iv
The Behavior Of Partially Coherent Twisted Space-Time Beams In Atmospheric Turbulence, Milo W. Hyde Iv
Faculty Publications
We study how atmospheric turbulence affects twisted space-time beams, which are non-stationary random optical fields whose space and time dimensions are coupled with a stochastic twist. Applying the extended Huygens–Fresnel principle, we derive the mutual coherence function of a twisted space-time beam after propagating a distance z through atmospheric turbulence of arbitrary strength. We specialize the result to derive the ensemble-averaged irradiance and discuss how turbulence affects the beam’s spatial size, pulse width, and space-time twist. Lastly, we generate, in simulation, twisted space-time beam field realizations and propagate them through atmospheric phase screens to validate our analysis.
Particle-In-Cell Simulations Of Ion Dynamics In A Pinched-Beam Diode, Jesse C. Foster, John W. Mcclory, S. B. B. Swanekamp, D. D. Hinshelwood, A. S. Richardson, Paul E. Adamson, J. W. Schumer, R. W. James, P. F. Ottinger, D. Mosher
Particle-In-Cell Simulations Of Ion Dynamics In A Pinched-Beam Diode, Jesse C. Foster, John W. Mcclory, S. B. B. Swanekamp, D. D. Hinshelwood, A. S. Richardson, Paul E. Adamson, J. W. Schumer, R. W. James, P. F. Ottinger, D. Mosher
Faculty Publications
article-in-cell simulations of a 1.6 MV, 800 kA, and 50 ns pinched-beam diode have been completed with emphasis placed on the quality of the ion beams produced. Simulations show the formation of multiple regions in the electron beam flow characterized by locally high charge and current density (“hot spots”). As ions flow through the electron-space-charge cloud, these hot spots electrostatically attract ions to produce a non-uniform ion current distribution. The length of the cavity extending beyond the anode-to-cathode gap (i.e., behind the cathode tip) influences both the number and amplitude of hot spots. A longer cavity length increases the number …
Spatiotemporal Non-Uniformly Correlated Beams, Milo W. Hyde Iv
Spatiotemporal Non-Uniformly Correlated Beams, Milo W. Hyde Iv
Faculty Publications
We present a new partially coherent source with spatiotemporal coupling. The stochastic light, which we call a spatiotemporal (ST) non-uniformly correlated (NUC) beam, combines space and time in an inhomogeneous (shift- or space-variant) correlation function. This results in a source that self-focuses at a controllable location in space-time, making these beams potentially useful in applications such as optical trapping, optical tweezing, and particle manipulation. We begin by developing the mutual coherence function for an ST NUC beam. We then examine its free-space propagation characteristics by deriving an expression for the mean intensity at any plane z ≥ 0. To validate …
The Impact Of Laser Control On The Porosity And Microstructure Of Selective Laser Melted Nickel Superalloy 718, Travis E. Shelton, Gregory R. Cobb, Carl R. Hartsfield, Benjamin M. Doane, Cayla C. Eckley, Ryan A. Kemnitz
The Impact Of Laser Control On The Porosity And Microstructure Of Selective Laser Melted Nickel Superalloy 718, Travis E. Shelton, Gregory R. Cobb, Carl R. Hartsfield, Benjamin M. Doane, Cayla C. Eckley, Ryan A. Kemnitz
Faculty Publications
Additively manufacturing high performance metals by laser processing represents an exciting opportunity to exploit localized properties by varying input parameters throughout the process. This work explores the solidification and microstructural properties of selectively laser melted (SLM) Inconel 718 (IN718) using unique processing parameters. By employing traditional pulsed laser physics techniques, samples were manufactured with a continuous wave laser to study a potential ubiquitous approach. While the overall power density was controlled, the power, speed, and hatch spacing were varied. The porosity and grain sizes of the samples were characterized by optical and scanning electron microscopes. The influence of processing parameters …
Improvements To Emissive Plume And Shock Wave Diagnostics And Interpretation During Pulsed Laser Ablation Of Graphite, Timothy I. Calver
Improvements To Emissive Plume And Shock Wave Diagnostics And Interpretation During Pulsed Laser Ablation Of Graphite, Timothy I. Calver
Theses and Dissertations
This dissertation covers nanosecond pulsed laser ablation of graphite for 4-5.7 J/cm2 fluences with 248 nm and 532 nm lasers in 1-180 Torr helium, argon, nitrogen, air, and mixed gas. Three experiments were performed to improve the interpretation of common diagnostics used to characterize pulsed laser ablation, find simple but universal scaling relationships for comparing dynamics across different materials and ablation conditions, and provide a systematic analysis of graphite emissive plume and shock wave dynamics. A scaling of the Sedov-Taylor energy ratio was developed and validated for a range of studies despite differences in wavelength, pulse duration, fluence, and …
Multi-Gaussian Random Variables For Modeling Optical Phenomena, Olga Korotkova, Milo W. Hyde Iv
Multi-Gaussian Random Variables For Modeling Optical Phenomena, Olga Korotkova, Milo W. Hyde Iv
Faculty Publications
A generalization of the classic Gaussian random variable to the family of multi-Gaussian (MG) random variables characterized by shape parameter M > 0, in addition to the mean and the standard deviation, is introduced. The probability density function (PDF) of the MG family members is an alternating series of Gaussian functions with suitably chosen heights and widths. In particular, for integer values of M, the series has a finite number of terms and leads to flattened profiles, while reducing to the classic Gaussian PDF for M = 1. For non-integer, positive values of M, a convergent infinite series of …
One Dimensional Study Of Magnetoplasmadynamic Thrusters For A Potential New Class Of Heavy Ion Drivers For Plasma Jet Driven Magnetoinertial Fusion, Patrick M. Brown
One Dimensional Study Of Magnetoplasmadynamic Thrusters For A Potential New Class Of Heavy Ion Drivers For Plasma Jet Driven Magnetoinertial Fusion, Patrick M. Brown
Theses and Dissertations
Plasma Jet Driven Magnetoinertial Fusion (PJMIF) requires high velocity heavy ion drivers in order to compress a magnetized target to fusion conditions. Previous work with heavy ion drivers has revealed sub-par accelerations due to plasma instabilities; thus, it is necessary to investigate new methods of heavy ion plasma acceleration. One such method is Magnetoplasmadynamic (MPD) thrusters. Past studies of these thrusters have been conducted at an initial temperature at or below the energy of full ionization. Here MPD thrusters are investigated using a Godunov type MHD solver with a Harten-Lax van Leer-D (HLLD) flux solving scheme assuming the plasma is …
Impendance Probe Payload Development For Space-Based Joint Service Collaboration, Brian T. Kay
Impendance Probe Payload Development For Space-Based Joint Service Collaboration, Brian T. Kay
Theses and Dissertations
Collaborations utilizing small spacecraft in near earth orbit between the U. S. Coast Guard Academy (CGA), Naval Research Lab (NRL), the U. S. Naval Academy (USNA), and the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) have initiated scientific and engineering space-based experiments. Sourced opportunities like the VaSpace ThinSat missions have provided a platform for payload, sensor, and experiment development that would have otherwise been resource prohibitive. We have constructed an impedance probe payload derived from the existing ‘Space PlasmA Diagnostic suitE’ (SPADE) mission operating from NASA’s International Space Station. Currently both space and laboratory plasmas are investigated with AC impedance measurements …
Generation Of Vector Partially Coherent Optical Sources Using Phase-Only Spatial Light Modulators, Milo W. Hyde Iv, Santasri R. Bose-Pillai
Generation Of Vector Partially Coherent Optical Sources Using Phase-Only Spatial Light Modulators, Milo W. Hyde Iv, Santasri R. Bose-Pillai
AFIT Patents
A vector partially coherent source (VPCS) generator includes a laser that emits coherent light; an interferometer consisting of polarizing beam splitters (PBSs) to split the laser light into its vertical and horizontal polarization components;] first and second spatial light modulators (SLMs) that respectively control the vertical and horizontal polarization components; and a control system communicatively coupled to the first and second SLMs to adjust beam shape and coherence without physically moving or removing optical elements in the interferometer.
Determining Bulk Aerosol Absorption From Off Axis Backscattering Using Rayleigh Beacon Laser Pulses, Julie C. Grossnickle
Determining Bulk Aerosol Absorption From Off Axis Backscattering Using Rayleigh Beacon Laser Pulses, Julie C. Grossnickle
Theses and Dissertations
Aerosol absorption and scattering can play a key role in degrading high energy laser performance in the form of thermal blooming and beam attenuation. Aerosol absorption properties are not completely understood, and thus affect how we are able to quantify expected high energy laser weapon performance. The Air Force Institute of Technology Center for Directed Energy (AFIT CDE) developed both Laser Environmental Effects Definition and Reference (LEEDR) and the High Energy Laser End-to-End Operational Simulation (HELEEOS) code to characterize atmospheric radiative transfer effects and evaluate expected directed energy weapon system performance. These packages enable modeling of total irradiance at given …
Laser Shock Peening Pressure Impulse Determination Via Empirical Data-Matching With Optimization Software, Colin C. Engebretsen
Laser Shock Peening Pressure Impulse Determination Via Empirical Data-Matching With Optimization Software, Colin C. Engebretsen
Theses and Dissertations
Laser shock peening (LSP) is a form of work hardening by means of laser induced pressure impulse. LSP imparts compressive residual stresses which can improve fatigue life of metallic alloys for structural use. The finite element modeling (FEM) of LSP is typically done by applying an assumed pressure impulse, as useful experimental measurement of this pressure impulse has not been adequately accomplished. This shortfall in the field is a current limitation to the accuracy of FE modeling, and was addressed in the current work. A novel method was tested to determine the pressure impulse shape in time and space by …
Laser Induced Thermal Degradation Of Carbon Fiber-Carbon Nanotube Hybrid Laminates, Joshua A. Key
Laser Induced Thermal Degradation Of Carbon Fiber-Carbon Nanotube Hybrid Laminates, Joshua A. Key
Theses and Dissertations
Recent advancements in fiber laser technology have increased interest in target material interactions and the development of thermal protection layers for tactical laser defense. A significant material of interest is carbon fiber reinforced polymers due to their increased use in aircraft construction. In this work, the thermal response of carbon fiber-carbon nanotube (CNT) hybrid composites exposed to average irradiances of 0.87-6.8 W/cm2 were observed using a FLIR sc6900 thermal camera. The camera had a pixel resolution of 640x512 which resulted in a spatial resolution of 0.394x0.383 mm/pixel for the front and 0.463x0.491 mm/pixel for the back. The hybrid samples …
Conduction Mapping For Quality Control Of Laser Powder Bed Fusion Additive Manufacturing, Chance M. Baxter
Conduction Mapping For Quality Control Of Laser Powder Bed Fusion Additive Manufacturing, Chance M. Baxter
Theses and Dissertations
A process was developed to identify potential defects in previous layers of Selective Laser Melting (SLM) Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) 3D printed metal parts using a mid-IR thermal camera to track infrared 3.8-4 m band emission over time as the part cooled to ambient temperature. Efforts focused on identifying anomalies in thermal conduction. To simplify the approach and reduce the need for significant computation, no attempts were made to calibrate measured intensity, extract surface temperature, apply machine learning, or compare measured cool-down behavior to computer model predictions. Raw intensity cool-down curves were fit to a simplified functional form designed to …
Cn And C2 Spectroscopy On The Pulsed Ablation Of Graphite In The Visible Spectrum, Brandon A. Pierce
Cn And C2 Spectroscopy On The Pulsed Ablation Of Graphite In The Visible Spectrum, Brandon A. Pierce
Theses and Dissertations
An experimental study was conducted on the nanosecond pulsed laser ablation of graphite using a KrF laser at a fluence of 3.8 J/cm2 in Air, Ar, He, and N2. Optical emissions spectroscopy revealed the C2 Swan sequences and the CN Violet sequences. A spectroscopic model was developed to extract the molecular rotational and vibrational temperatures of each excited species for t=0.5-10 microseconds after laser irradiation. The rovibrational temperatures were found to vary with background gas for the CN Violet; however, only the vibrational temperature varied between He and the other background gases for C2 Swan. …
Generating Electromagnetic Nonuniformly Correlated Beams, Milo W. Hyde Iv, Xifeng Xiao, David G. Voelz
Generating Electromagnetic Nonuniformly Correlated Beams, Milo W. Hyde Iv, Xifeng Xiao, David G. Voelz
Faculty Publications
We develop a method to generate electromagnetic nonuniformly correlated (ENUC) sources from vector Gaussian Schell-model (GSM) beams. Having spatially varying correlation properties, ENUC sources are more difficult to synthesize than their Schell-model counterparts (which can be generated by filtering circular complex Gaussian random numbers) and, in past work, have only been realized using Cholesky decomposition—a computationally intensive procedure. Here we transform electromagnetic GSM field instances directly into ENUC instances, thereby avoiding computing Cholesky factors resulting in significant savings in time and computing resources. We validate our method by generating (via simulation) an ENUC beam with desired parameters. We find the …
Effect Of Ar(3p54p; 2p)+M -> Ar(3p54s; 1s)+M Branching Ratio On Optically Pumped Rare Gas Laser Performance, Daniel J. Emmons Ii, David E. Weeks
Effect Of Ar(3p54p; 2p)+M -> Ar(3p54s; 1s)+M Branching Ratio On Optically Pumped Rare Gas Laser Performance, Daniel J. Emmons Ii, David E. Weeks
Faculty Publications
Optically pumped rare gas laser performance is analyzed as a function of the Ar(3p54p; 2p) + M → Ar(3p54s; 1s) + M branching ratios. Due to the uncertainty in the branching ratios, a sensitivity study is performed to determine the effect on output and absorbed pump laser intensities. The analysis is performed using a radio frequency dielectric barrier discharge as the source of metastable production for a variety of Argon in Helium mixtures over pressures ranging from 200 to 500 Torr. Peak output laser intensities show a factor of 7 increase as the branching ratio is …
Measurement Of Electron Density And Temperature From Laser-Induced Nitrogen Plasma At Elevated Pressure (1–6 Bar), Ashwin P. Rao [*], Mark Gragston, Anil K. Patnaik, Paul S. Hsu, Michael B. Shattan
Measurement Of Electron Density And Temperature From Laser-Induced Nitrogen Plasma At Elevated Pressure (1–6 Bar), Ashwin P. Rao [*], Mark Gragston, Anil K. Patnaik, Paul S. Hsu, Michael B. Shattan
Faculty Publications
Laser-induced plasmas experience Stark broadening and shifts of spectral lines carrying spectral signatures of plasma properties. In this paper, we report time-resolved Stark broadening measurements of a nitrogen triplet emission line at 1–6 bar ambient pressure in a pure nitrogen cell. Electron densities are calculated using the Stark broadening for different pressure conditions, which are shown to linearly increase with pressure. Additionally, using a Boltzmann fit for the triplet, the electron temperature is calculated and shown to decrease with increasing pressure. The rate of plasma cooling is observed to increase with pressure. The reported Stark broadening based plasma diagnostics in …
Nonlinear Characterizing Of A New Titanium Nitride On Aluminum Oxide Metalens, Michael A. Cumming
Nonlinear Characterizing Of A New Titanium Nitride On Aluminum Oxide Metalens, Michael A. Cumming
Theses and Dissertations
A sample metalens generated from Titanium Nitride deposited onto Aluminum Oxide was designed to focus at 10 microns with a beam centered at 800nm, and when analyzed with high intensity illumination was found to have a focal length of 9.650 ±.003µm at an intensity of 16.93[MW/cm2 ]. Analyzing this change by comparing it to a Fresnel Lens’ physics shows that for this lens, the effective nonlinear index of refraction is certainly greater than the nonlinear index of just Titanium Nitride itself, at −1.6239 × 10−15[m2/W] compared to the materials −1.3 × 10−15[m2 …
Numerical Simulation Of Unstable Laser Resonators With A High Gain Medium, Robert L. Lloyd
Numerical Simulation Of Unstable Laser Resonators With A High Gain Medium, Robert L. Lloyd
Theses and Dissertations
This research focused on the numeric simulation of unstable laser resonators with high gain media. In order to accomplish the research, the modes and eigenvalues for various bare cavity resonator were computed followed by modes of a resonator in the presence of gain. Using a Fourier Split Step Method in a Fox and Li iteration scheme, different laser outputs for various laser cavities with gain were computed. Various parameters defining positive branch confocal unstable resonators were chosen corresponding to four studies. The four studies focused on modifying laser cavity Fresnel number, gain medium parameters, gain cell position, and gain cell …
On The Pulsed Laser Ablation Of Metals And Semiconductors, Todd A. Van Woerkom
On The Pulsed Laser Ablation Of Metals And Semiconductors, Todd A. Van Woerkom
Theses and Dissertations
This dissertation covers pulsed laser ablation of Al, Si, Ti, Ge, and InSb, with pulse durations from tens of picosecond to hundreds of microseconds, fluences from ones of J/cm2 to over 10,000 J/cm2, and in ambient air and vacuum. A set of non-dimensional scaling factors was created to interpret the data relative to the laser and material parameters, and it was found that pulse durations shorter than a critical timescale formed craters much larger than the thermal diffusion length, and longer pulse durations created holes much shallower than the thermal diffusion length. Low transverse order Gaussian beams …
Plasma Spectroscopy Of Titanium Monoxide For Characterization Of Laser Ablation, Todd A. Van Woerkom, Glen P. Perram, Christian G. Parigger, Brian D. Dolasinski, Charles D. Phelps, Patrick A. Berry
Plasma Spectroscopy Of Titanium Monoxide For Characterization Of Laser Ablation, Todd A. Van Woerkom, Glen P. Perram, Christian G. Parigger, Brian D. Dolasinski, Charles D. Phelps, Patrick A. Berry
Faculty Publications
Ablation of titanium wafers in air is accomplished with 60 µs pulsed, 2.94 µm laser radiation. Titanium monoxide spectra are measured in the wavelength range of 500 nm to 750 nm, and molecular signatures include bands of the C3 Δ → X3 Δ α, B3 Π → X3 Δ γ', and A3 Φ → X3 Δ γ transitions. The spatially and temporally averaged spectra appear to be in qualitative agreement with previous temporally resolved studies that employed shorter wavelengths and shorter pulse durations than utilized in this work. The background signals in the current study are possibly due to particulate …
The Non-Mechanical Beam Steering Of Light In Reflective Inverse Diffusion, Eric K. Nagamine
The Non-Mechanical Beam Steering Of Light In Reflective Inverse Diffusion, Eric K. Nagamine
Theses and Dissertations
Wavefront shaping is a technique that uses spatial light modulators to conjugate the phase of light incident on a rough surface, such that the light will refocus after reflection. This refocusing effect is called reflective inverse diffusion. There currently are two different approaches used to achieve reflective inverse diffusion: iterative methods and matrix methods. Iterative methods find one phase mask which allows for reflected light to be focused at a single, specific position, with results that are immediately available and continuously improving. Matrix methods calculate the complex matrix which describes the rough surface and allows for reflected light to be …
Development Of A Model For 11C Production Via The 14N(P,Α) Reaction Using A Ge Pettrace Cyclotron, Amy C. Hall
Development Of A Model For 11C Production Via The 14N(P,Α) Reaction Using A Ge Pettrace Cyclotron, Amy C. Hall
Theses and Dissertations
The GE PETtrace 800 Series cyclotron at the Missouri University Research Reactor (MURR) facility is used extensively for medical and research radioisotope production. However, no model exists of its radioisotope production performance, and the energy, full intensity, and spatial profile of the cyclotron proton beam has never been measured. To improve production planning for research and medical isotopes, a MCNP6 model of the isotope production process was developed to maximize efficiency in target design and better understand irradiation conditions. Since the cyclotron beam energy and profile has a significant impact on the types of reactions that take place and the …
Global Ionosonde And Gps Radio Occultation Sporadic-E Intensity And Height Comparison, Joshua Y. Gooch
Global Ionosonde And Gps Radio Occultation Sporadic-E Intensity And Height Comparison, Joshua Y. Gooch
Theses and Dissertations
A global, multi-year comparison of low and mid-latitude COSMIC GPS radio occultation (RO) sporadic-E (Es) plasma frequency and altitude and Digisonde blanketing frequency (fbEs) and altitude within 150 km and 30 minutes of each other. RO methods used to estimate the intensity of the Es layer include the scintillation index S4, total electron content (TEC) with both a constant and variable Es cloud thickness, and an Abel transform. The S4 and TEC with varying thickness techniques both under-represent the fbEs values while the TEC with constant thickness and Abel transform better estimate Digisonde fbEs values. …
Experimental Study: Underwater Propagation Of Super-Gaussian And Multi-Gaussian Schell-Model Partially Coherent Beams With Varying Degrees Of Spatial Coherence, Svetlana Avramov-Zamurovic, Charles L. Nelson, Milo W. Hyde Iv
Experimental Study: Underwater Propagation Of Super-Gaussian And Multi-Gaussian Schell-Model Partially Coherent Beams With Varying Degrees Of Spatial Coherence, Svetlana Avramov-Zamurovic, Charles L. Nelson, Milo W. Hyde Iv
Faculty Publications
We report on experiments where super-Gaussian and flat-top, multi-Gaussian Schell-model spatially partially coherent beams, with varying degrees of spatial coherence, were propagated underwater. Two scenarios were explored—calm and mechanically agitated water. The main objective of our study was the experimental comparison of the scintillation statistics. For a similar degree of coherence widths, the results show a potentially improved performance of scintillation index for the multi-Gaussian Schell-model beams as compared to the super-Gaussian beams. It should be noted that the presented results pertain only to the given experimental scenarios and further investigation is necessary to determine the scope of the findings.
Laser-Induced Plasma Analysis For Surrogate Nuclear Debris, Michael B. Shattan, John Auxier, A. C. Stowe, Christian G. Parigger
Laser-Induced Plasma Analysis For Surrogate Nuclear Debris, Michael B. Shattan, John Auxier, A. C. Stowe, Christian G. Parigger
Faculty Publications
This work identifies analytical lines in laser-induced plasma for chemical analyses of major elements found in surrogate nuclear debris. These lines are evaluated for interferences and signal strength to insure they would be useful to measure relative concentrations. Compact, portable instruments are employed and can be included as part of a mobile nuclear forensics laboratory for field screening of nuclear debris and contamination. The average plasma temperature is measured using the well-established Boltzmann plot technique, and plasma's average electron density is determined using empirical formulae based on Stark broadening of the H-alpha line. These measurements suggest existence of partial local …
Kinetics Of Higher Lying Potassium States After Excitation Of The D2 Transition In The Presence Of Helium, Austin J. Wallerstein
Kinetics Of Higher Lying Potassium States After Excitation Of The D2 Transition In The Presence Of Helium, Austin J. Wallerstein
Theses and Dissertations
A kinetic model for the performance of a potassium Diode Pumped Alkali Laser (DPAL), including the role of higher lying states is developed to assess the impact on device efficiency and performance. A rate package for a nine level kinetic model including recommended rate parameters is solved under steady-state conditions. Energy pooling and far wing absorption populates higher lying states, with single photon and Penning ionization leading to modest potassium (K) dimer ion concentrations. The fraction of the population removed from the basic three levels associated with the standard model is less than 10% for all reasonable laser conditions, including …
Application Of Spectral Solution And Neural Network Techniques In Plasma Modeling For Electric Propulsion, Joseph R. Whitman
Application Of Spectral Solution And Neural Network Techniques In Plasma Modeling For Electric Propulsion, Joseph R. Whitman
Theses and Dissertations
A solver for Poisson's equation was developed using the Radix-2 FFT method first invented by Carl Friedrich Gauss. Its performance was characterized using simulated data and identical boundary conditions to those found in a Hall Effect Thruster. The characterization showed errors below machine-zero with noise-free data, and above 20% noise-to-signal strength, the error increased linearly with the noise. This solver can be implemented into AFRL's plasma simulator, the Thermophysics Universal Research Framework (TURF) and used to quickly and accurately compute the electric field based on charge distributions. The validity of a machine learning approach and data-based complex system modeling approach …