Abstract

A novel quasi-spark gap has been designed and constructed with high-speed and low-spark voltage characteristics. Ultraviolet light generating sparks can be operated at a rate of up to 25 kHz with pulses as low as 28 V. The photon pulse has a rise time of <10 nsec. Negligible breakdown delay and subnanosecond jitter have also been observed. It is an efficient UV point source capable of fast triggering and synchronization. A UV photon generation efficiency of 10⁻³ was estimated. The spectral properties of this gap were also analyzed. This gap has been incorporated into a picosecond CO₂ laser system to trigger a plasma shutter in the generation of picosecond laser pulses.

© 1984 Optical Society of America

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