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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: GR/J10556/01
Title: NOVEL DISCHARGE AND SWITCHING TECHNOLOGY FOR HIGH POWER PULSED GAS LASERS
Principal Investigator: Harrison, Professor RG
Other Investigators:
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Department: Physics
Organisation: Heriot-Watt University
Scheme: Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts: 02 August 1993 Ends: 01 August 1995 Value (£): 112,257
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Lasers & Optics
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Manufacturing
Related Grants:
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
Our proposal is for a 3-year experimental research and development programme to investigate a new approach in discharge and switching technology for pulsed gas laser systems, in particular transversely excited atmospheric (TEA) CO2 and excimer lasers. The underlying principle of the proposed technology is based on operation of the discharge in a 'switchless' mode, thereby overcoming the major lifetime limitations of these devices. Central to switchless mode operation is generation of high electron density prior to the main discharge involving a very small amount of switched energy. This approach allows operation of the main discharge at low E/N values necessary for high efficiency and long pulse operation. Our objective is to exploit this technology towards the development of efficient low-cost, compact and scalable systems providing the collectively unique features of variable laser pulse length and pulse shape, high rep rate operation and lasing frequency stability approaching the Fourier transform limit. Collaboration with European Space Agency on aspects of this work specific to efficient long laser pulse generation with significantly reduced frequency chirp is aimed at TEA CO2 Doppler wind Lidar instrumentation, targeted for operation on a space platform by ESA.
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Organisation Website: http://www.hw.ac.uk