Laser Physics | 2019
An innovative method for plasma characterization of the spark pre-ionization pulsed TEA-CO2 laser
Abstract
In this study, the electron density of plasma discharge has been obtained using the innovative combination of a basic theoretical relation and measured current–voltage characteristics of a uniform glow discharge of a spark array TEA-CO2 laser. The maximum values of electron densities have been obtained as and cm−3, respectively, for charging voltage of discharges at 18, 20 and 22 kV. The drift velocity of electrons has been obtained in the different conditions versus the reduced electric field (E/N) and gas mixtures in the discharge tube. Furthermore, the efficiency in energy conversion and the behavior of electrical energy density versus reduced electric field has been studied.