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Gasdynamic light guide: high power density transmission measurements
Applied Optics
|March 18, 2010
Summary
This study shows a novel gas nozzle can trap and guide light without performance loss, even at high power densities. This optical trapping device demonstrates high transmission efficiency for laser applications.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Photonics
- Fluid Dynamics
- Plasma Physics
Background:
- Refractive-index gradients in gas flows can create light-guiding regions.
- Convergent-divergent nozzles with specific geometries can manipulate these gradients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the light-trapping and guiding capabilities of a radial flow nozzle.
- To measure the transmission characteristics of the device at high optical power densities.
Main Methods:
- A 90-degree radial flow convergent-divergent nozzle with a 7.6 cm throat radius was used.
- Nitrogen gas at 30-100 atm supply pressure was employed.
- Transmission was measured at optical power densities up to 3 x 10^8 W/cm^2.
Main Results:
- No reduction in light transmission was observed up to 3 x 10^8 W/cm^2.
- The average power density within the light-guiding region reached 10^7 W/cm^2.
- Maximum measured transmission was 99.8 +/- 1.0%.
Conclusions:
- The investigated nozzle effectively traps and guides light.
- The device exhibits high-efficiency light transmission with no power-induced degradation.
- This technology shows promise for high-power optical systems.
