Abstract

Two dense plasma focus systems have been investigated as potential pump light sources for high-power lasers. The two plasma foci are the hypocycloidal¹ and Mather-type² plasma pinches. These plasma focus flashlamps as compared with other existing pump light sources have several unique properties. For example, the plasma focus flashlamps have the capability to produce pump light pulses of adjustable rise times, peak wavelengths, and spectral widths. They are also capable of self-focusing the plasma stream, resulting in an extremely high photon flux density at the active medium in the absorption bands. Since they are made of metal, the lifetimes of the plasma flashlamps are virtually unlimited. The metallic construction also allows for the handling of very highinput energies which are not normally accessible with commercial flashlamps.

© 1983 Optical Society of America