Laser triggered spark gap using fiber optic transmission

Date

1981-05

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Texas Tech University

Abstract

The use of an optical fiber in a laser triggering system is described. The fiber transmits a high power ruby laser pulse which triggers a high voltage spark gap. The spark gap is a gas switch on a water dielectric Blumlein generator which is pulse charged by a three stage Marx bank. Typical operating parameters for the spark gap are: 2 cm gap, 2700 Torr pressure, Ar-N^ gas mixture, and a charging voltage of 200 kV. The single strand, 1 mm, quartz, optical fiber is selected specifically for high power transmission capability. Laser pulses of 4 MW are coupled into and transmitted by the fiber with no observed damage. The overall optical system transmission efficiency is 62%. The triggering performance of the system is excellent in that switching delays of less than 10 ns and subnanosecond jitters are measured.

Description

Keywords

Fiber optics, Electric spark gaps, Laser beams, Trigger circuits

Citation