Peak Power Limiter for Large Laser Pulses

摘要

A device is described which limits the peak amplitude of a high power laser pulse. Control is achieved through an electrodeless discharge produced by the laser pulse in a gas or liquid. For a properly designed system, the peak amplitude of a pulse passing through the power limiter is directly proportional to the pressure of the gas in the limiter provided the pulse entering the limiter exceeds the critical value for that particular system, gas, and gas pressure. The device is passive and lossless, so that it can be used inside or outside the cavity. Experimental data on the operation of the power limiter using argon as the working substance are presented. (Author)