Uniform energy discharge for pulsed lasers

Eric C. Koschmann

doi:10.1117/12.43625

1 April 1991 Uniform energy discharge for pulsed lasers

Eric C. Koschmann

Proceedings Volume 1411, Pulse Power for Lasers III; (1991) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.43625
Event: Optics, Electro-Optics, and Laser Applications in Science and Engineering, 1991, Los Angeles, CA, United States

Abstract

The method of achieving a high energy discharge in a controlled manner with relative ease is to use a pulse forming network. The design of such networks generally uses a single inductor and capacitor. Although easy to design and implement, this practice does not provide optimum performance in all cases. For example, most laser welding applications require a uniform energy discharge within the pulse to produce a high quality weld. Analysis has shown that when the pulse forming network approximates a lumped constant transmission line a maximum flat pulse is produced with minimal degradation of the pulse rise time. This paper shows that a low pass filter ladder network composed of equal capacitors and inductors provides a flat pulse whose energy discharge becomes more uniform as the filter's order increases. This is highly favorable in achieving a producible design since all the capacitors and inductors will be of equal value. An algorithm is generated and used to calculate the coefficients for the Laplace transform of the networks. Design equations are derived for calculating the network's components for use with flashlamps. Then a computer's simulation of a network is compared to actual performance.

Citation Download Citation

Eric C. Koschmann "Uniform energy discharge for pulsed lasers", Proc. SPIE 1411, Pulse Power for Lasers III, (1 April 1991); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.43625

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