Lifetime studies of an e-beam sustained CO2 laser for spaceborne Doppler wind lidar

Paul M. Schwarzenberger; Steven Wallace; R. J. Robinson; David V. Willetts; Michael R. Harris; Errico Armandillo; Callum J. Norrie

doi:10.1117/12.195864

9 December 1994 Lifetime studies of an e-beam sustained CO₂ laser for spaceborne Doppler wind lidar

Paul M. Schwarzenberger, Steven Wallace, R. J. Robinson, David V. Willetts, Michael R. Harris, Errico Armandillo, Callum J. Norrie

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Proceedings Volume 2310, Lidar Techniques for Remote Sensing; (1994) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.195864
Event: Satellite Remote Sensing, 1994, Rome, Italy

Abstract

The European Space Agency program for Development of a CO₂ Laser for Spaceborne Doppler Wind Lidar Applications addresses both performance and lifetime aspects. Lifetime issues are of particular importance due to the 10⁹ pulse life requirement for a spaceborne laser operating continuously at 10 Hz for a period of three years. Particularly critical lifetime issues for an e-beam sustained laser have been identified as the electron transmitting metal foil separating the electron gun and the laser, and the gas life. Four areas of study have been undertaken to address the foil and gas lifetime issues: Parametric Study of Gaseous Catalysis to determine the range of operating conditions under which oxidation of CO by high energy electrons can be expected to offset dissociation of CO₂, thus eliminating the need for solid catalyst. Extended Sealed Runs to demonstrate long life in a representative laser system of the actual size required. Several runs of 10⁷ pulses, and one run of 6.5 X 10⁷ pulses, have been performed. The Foil Thermal Profile has been monitored using a pyroelectric vidicon camera to determine the maximum temperature reached by different candidate foil materials under representative conditions. High Temperature Foil Fatigue tests of 10⁹ pulses have been carried out to simulate the effect of the laser pressure pulse, by performing fatigue tests on foil materials at high temperature.

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Paul M. Schwarzenberger, Steven Wallace, R. J. Robinson, David V. Willetts, Michael R. Harris, Errico Armandillo, and Callum J. Norrie "Lifetime studies of an e-beam sustained CO₂ laser for spaceborne Doppler wind lidar", Proc. SPIE 2310, Lidar Techniques for Remote Sensing, (9 December 1994); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.195864

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KEYWORDS

Carbon monoxide

Carbon dioxide lasers

Gas lasers

LIDAR

Titanium

Aluminum

Pulsed laser operation

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