An All Solid State CO[sub]2[/sub] Laser Driver

Daniel L. Birx

doi:10.1117/12.960561

13 September 1989 An All Solid State CO₂ Laser Driver

Daniel L. Birx

Proceedings Volume 1103, Laser Radar IV; (1989) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.960561
Event: SPIE 1989 Technical Symposium on Aerospace Sensing, 1989, Orlando, FL, United States

Abstract

A new, all-solid-state pulse generator has been fabricated to meet the SDIO requirement for an efficient, reliable pulsed power source to pump CO2 discharge lasers. This SCR-commutated nonlinear magnetic pulse compressor will be fully-compatible with present CO2 laser radar sources and will serve as a basis for future drivers designed to power lasers for airborne and spaceborne applications. By employing SCRs rather than thyratron commutators, this pulser provides a significant decrease in the weight and volume and a significant increase in reliability over the current generation pulsed power drivers employed on CO2 lasers. For example the 150 joule, 10 pps, CO2 laser driver (COLD- I) weighs 85 lbs which is 50% lighter than projected pulser weights having the same characteristics. Also pulsers using this innovative technology have already demonstrated reliabilities of 1010 shots. At this juncture a breadboard pulser has been constructed and tested. The results of these tests will be presented. Future options for design changes and their impact on weight and reliability will also be discussed.

Citation Download Citation

Daniel L. Birx "An All Solid State CO₂ Laser Driver", Proc. SPIE 1103, Laser Radar IV, (13 September 1989); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.960561

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