Repetitive high-power discharge operation of a micro-laser triggered gas switch

Area of Science:

• Physics
• Electrical Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• Compact pulsed power drivers require high reliability over thousands of operational shots.
• Laser-triggered switches offer potential improvements but face challenges with electrode erosion.
• Direct laser ablation of electrodes is an additional concern in laser-triggered switch lifetime.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess and quantify laser-induced electrode damage in gas switches.
• To evaluate the impact of this damage on switch operation over numerous discharges.
• To understand the interplay between laser ablation and discharge erosion.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a low-energy, diode-pumped, solid-state passively Q-switched laser at 1535 nm.
• Conducted experiments involving repeated laser triggering of gas switches.
• Analyzed electrode damage and its correlation with switch performance over thousands of shots.

Main Results:

• Documented direct ablation of electrode material by the laser over extended operation.
• Observed potential interactions between laser-induced damage and discharge erosion.
• Quantified the cumulative effect of laser ablation on switch reliability.

Conclusions:

• Laser-induced electrode ablation is a critical factor affecting the long-term reliability of laser-triggered gas switches.
• Understanding and mitigating this damage is essential for the adoption of reliable compact pulsed power systems.
• Further research is needed to optimize laser parameters and electrode materials to minimize ablation.