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Results for “capillary discharge”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 19 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2021

Creation of an axially uniform plasma channel in a laser-assisted capillary discharge

Dissipative capillary discharges form plasma channels which allow for high power laser guiding, enabling efficient electron acceleration in a laser wakefield accelerator. However, at the low plasma densities required to produce high-energy electrons, in order to avoid capillary wall damage, high power lasers need a tighter transverse confinement that cannot be achieved by the capillary discharge powered by Ohmic heating alone. The introduction of an additional laser for heating of the plasma leads to deeper and narrower plasma channels. Here we investigate the formation of laser-heated axially uniform plasma channels. Here, we show that a high degree of longitudinal uniformity can be achieved despite significant evolution of the heater laser during its propagation through the channel.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2021

Radial density profile and stability of capillary discharge plasma waveguides of lengths up to 40 cm

We measured the parameter reproducibility and radial electron density profile of capillary discharge waveguides with diameters of 650 μm to 2 mm and lengths of 9 to 40 cm. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, 40 cm is the longest discharge capillary plasma waveguide to date. This length is important for ≥10 GeV electron energy gain in a single laser-driven plasma wakefield acceleration stage. Evaluation of waveguide parameter variations showed that their focusing strength was stable and reproducible to <0.2% and their average on-axis plasma electron density to <1%. These variations explain only a small fraction of laser-driven plasma wakefield acceleration electron bunch variations observed in experiments to date. Measurements of laser pulse centroid oscillations revealed that the radial channel profile rises faster than parabolic and is in excellent agreement with magnetohydrodynamic simulation results. We show that the effects of non-parabolic contributions on Gaussian pulse propagation were negligible when the pulse was approximately matched to the channel. However, they affected pulse propagation for a non-matched configuration in which the waveguide was used as a plasma telescope to change the focused laser pulse spot size.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2020

Density Tailored Capillary Discharge (Final Technical Report)

This final report describes efforts to validate a novel way to drive capillary discharges in order to achieve true matched guiding of a focused laser beam traveling along the capillary. Achieving such matched guiding is important for laser plasma accelerators, such as ones based upon laser wakefield acceleration. During this Phase II program, a computer model, which was specifically designed to predict the time-dependent behavior of the capillary discharge, was exercised to determine whether unconventional ways to drive the discharge may yield matched guiding. A custom power supply was built to drive the capillary discharge in the unconventional manner specified by the model. Experiments performed at STI Optronics seemed to support the predictions of this model; however, subsequent more accurate measurements performed at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory did not agree with the model predictions.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2020

Laser-heated capillary discharge waveguides as tunable structures for laser-plasma acceleration

Laser-heated capillary discharge waveguides are novel, low plasma density guiding structures able to guide intense laser pulses over many diffraction lengths and have recently enabled the acceleration of electrons to 7.8 GeV by using a laser-plasma accelerator (LPA). These devices represent an improvement over conventional capillary discharge waveguides, as the channel matched spot size and plasma density can be tuned independently of the capillary radius. This has allowed the guiding of petawatt-scale pulses focused to small spot sizes within large diameter capillaries, preventing laser damage of the capillary structure. High performance channel-guided LPAs require control of matched spot size and density, which experiments and simulations reported here show can be tuned over a wide range via initial discharge and laser parameters. In this paper, measurements of the matched spot size and plasma density in laser-heated capillary discharges are presented, which are found to be in excellent agreement with simulations performed using the MHD code MARPLE. Strategies for optimizing accelerator performance are identified based on these results.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Impact of electron transport models on capillary discharge plasmas

Magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) can be used to model capillary discharge waveguides in laser-wakefield accelerators. However, the predictive capability of MHD can suffer due to poor microscopic closure models. Here, we study the impact of electron heating and thermal conduction on the capillary waveguide performance as part of an effort to understand and quantify uncertainties in modeling and designing next-generation plasma accelerators. To do so, we perform two-dimensional high-resolution MHD simulations using an argon-filled capillary discharge waveguide with three different electron transport coefficients models. The models tested include (i) Davies et al., (ii) Spitzer, and (iii) Epperlein–Haines (EH). We found that the EH model overestimates the electron temperature inside the channel by over 20% while predicting a lower azimuthal magnetic field. Furthermore, the Spitzer model, often used in MHD simulations for plasma-based accelerators, predicts a significantly higher electron temperature than the other models suggest.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
NASA NTRS1994

Time-dependent collisional-radiative model for capillary discharge plasmas

A time-dependent, zero-dimensional collisional-radiative model has been developed to study capillary discharge plasmas in view of possibilities for obtaining population inversion leading to laser action in the extreme ultraviolet and soft x-ray spectral region, by amplifying the Balmer-alpha (H-alpha) line of different hydrogenlike ions with nuclear charges from Z = 3 to Z = 6. The model is described in detail, and results for the case of a carbon plasma are presented. Limitations of the model are discussed and comparison is made between our calculations and recent experimental results.

Pockl, M.↗
NASA NTRS2016

Hollow-Core Fiber Lamp

Hollow-core capillary discharge lamps on the millimeter or sub-millimeter scale are provided. The hollow-core capillary discharge lamps achieve an increased light intensity ratio between 194 millimeters (useful) and 254 millimeters (useless) light than conventional lamps. The capillary discharge lamps may include a cone to increase light output. Hollow-core photonic crystal fiber (HCPCF) may also be used.

Yi, Lin↗
NASA NTRS1976

Excimer lasers

A theoretical and experimental investigation into the possibility of achieving CW discharge pumped excimer laser oscillation is reported. Detailed theoretical modeling of capillary discharge pumping of the XeF and KXe and K2 excimer systems was carried out which predicted the required discharge parameters for reaching laser threshold on these systems. Capillary discharge pumping of the XeF excimer system was investigated experimentally. The experiments revealed a lower excimer level population density than predicted theoretically by about an order of magnitude. The experiments also revealed a fluorine consumption problem in the discharge in agreement with theory.

Palmer, A. J.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Excimer lasers

The results of a two-year investigation into the possibility of developing continuous wave excimer lasers are reported. The program included the evaluation and selection of candidate molecular systems and discharge pumping techniques. The K Ar/K2 excimer dimer molecules and the xenon fluoride excimer molecule were selected for study; each used a transverse and capillary discharges pumping technique. Experimental and theoretical studies of each of the two discharge techniques applied to each of the two molecular systems are reported. Discharge stability and fluorine consumption were found to be the principle impediments to extending the XeF excimer laser into the continuous wave regime. Potassium vapor handling problems were the principal difficulty in achieving laser action on the K Ar/K2 system. Of the four molecular systems and pumping techniques explored, the capillary discharge pumped K Ar/K2 system appears to be the most likely candidate for demonstrating continuous wave excimer laser action primarily because of its predicted lower pumping threshold and a demonstrated discharge stability advantage.

Palmer, A. J.↗
DOE OSTI2020

Scaling of pulsed nanosecond capillary plasmas at different specific energy deposition

Nano-second, capillary discharges (nCDs) are unique plasma sources in their ability to sustain high specific energy deposition ω dep approaching 10 eV/molecule in molecular gases. This high energy loading on short timescales produces both high plasma densities and high densities of molecular exited states. These high densities of electrons and excited states interact with each other during the early afterglow through electron collision quenching and associative ionization. In this paper we discuss results from a two-dimensional computational investigation of a nCD sustained in air at a pressure of 28.5 mbar and with a voltage amplitude 20 kV. Discharges were investigated for two circuit configurations—a floating low voltage electrode and with the low voltage electrode connected to ground through a ballast resistor. The first configuration produced a single ionization wave from the high to low voltage electrode. The second produced converging ionization waves beginning at both electrodes. With a decrease of the tube radius, the velocity of the ionization fronts decreased while the shape of the ionization wave changed from the electron density being distributed smoothly in the radial direction, to being hollow shaped where there is a higher electron density near the tube wall. For sufficiently small tubes, the near-wall maxima merge to have the higher density on the axis of the capillary tube. In the early afterglow, the temporal and radial behavior of the N 2 (C 3 Π u ) density is a sensitive function of ω dep due to electron collision quenching. Finally, these trends indicate that starting from ω dep $\geqslant$ 0.3 eV/molecule, it is necessary to take into account interactions of electrons with electronically excited species during the discharge and early afterglow.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
NASA NTRS1971

Generation of a uranium plasma at near gaseous core reactor conditions.

A constricted sliding spark discharge is used to generate a high density, high temperature uranium plasma. Uranium particle densities up to 10 to the 20th power per cu cm are obtained over a temperature range of 30,000 to 50,000 K. The device consists of a capillary discharge channel lined with pressed and sintered UO2. A 250 joule capacitor bank is discharged into the channel, producing a plasma of 10-20 microsec duration. Spectroscopic observations are made over the spectral range of 1300 to 2500 A.

Davis, J. F., III↗
NASA NTRS1981

Measured branching ratios for O II2D and 2P transitions in the wavelength range 530 to 800 A

Branching ratios for four sets of extreme ultraviolet transitions terminating on the 2D0 and 2P0 metastable levels of ionized oxygen have been measured. The emissions were excited in both an open window hollow cathode and a capillary discharge lamp, and the branching ratios were derived from the observed intensity ratios of the multiplet pairs. The results are in good agreement with theoretical values and compare favorably, within experimental uncertainties, with line ratios obtained by EUV spectroscopy of the airglow.

Morrison, D.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Investigation of a repetitive pulsed electrothermal thruster

A pulsed electrothermal (PET) thruster with 1000:1 ratio nozzle is tested in a repetitive mode on water propellant. The thruster is driven by a 60J pulse forming network at repetition rates up to 10 Hz (600W). The pulse forming network has a .31 ohm impedance, well matched to the capillary discharge resistance of .40 ohm, and is directly coupled to the thruster electrodes without a switch. The discharge is initiated by high voltage breakdown, typically at 2500V, through the water vapor in the interelectrode gap. Water is injected as a jet through a .37 mm orifice on the thruster axis. Thruster voltage, current and impulse bit are recorded for several seconds at various power supply currents. Thruster to power ratio is typically T/P = .07 N/kW. Tank background pressure precludes direct measurement of exhaust velocity which is inferred from calculated pressure and temperature in the discharge to be about 14 km/sec. Efficiency, based on this velocity and measured T/P is .54 + or - .07. Thruster ablation is zero at the throat and becomes measurable further upstream, indicating that radiative ablation is occurring late in the pulse.

Burton, R. L.↗
NASA NTRS1999

High velocity pulsed wire-arc spray

Wire arc spraying using repetitively pulsed, high temperature gas jets, usually referred to as plasma jets, and generated by capillary discharges, substantially increases the velocity of atomized and entrained molten droplets. The quality of coatings produced is improved by increasing the velocity with which coating particles impact the coated surface. The effectiveness of wire-arc spraying is improved by replacing the usual atomizing air stream with a rapidly pulsed high velocity plasma jet. Pulsed power provides higher coating particle velocities leading to improved coatings. 50 micron aluminum droplets with velocities of 1500 m/s are produced. Pulsed plasma jet spraying provides the means to coat the insides of pipes, tubes, and engine block cylinders with very high velocity droplet impact.

Witherspoon, F. Douglas↗
DOE OSTI2022

Whitepaper submitted to Snowmass21: Advanced accelerator linear collider demonstration facility at intermediate energy

It is widely accepted that the next lepton collider beyond a Higgs factory would require center-of-mass energy of the order of up to 15 TeV. Since, given reasonable space and cost restrictions, conventional accelerator technology reaches its limits near this energy, high-gradient advanced acceleration concepts are attractive. Advanced and novel accelerators (ANAs) are leading candidates due to their ability to produce acceleration gradients on the order of 1--100~GV/m, leading to compact acceleration structures. Over the last 10-15 years significant progress has been achieved in accelerating electron beams by ANAs. For example, the demonstration of several-GeV electron beams from laser-powered capillary discharge waveguides, as well as the proof-of-principle coupling of two accelerating structures powered by different laser pulses, has increased interest in ANAs as a viable technology to be considered for a compact, TeV-class, lepton linear collider. However, intermediate facilities are required to test the technology and demonstrate key subsystems. A 20-100 GeV center-of-mass energy ANA-based lepton collider can be a possible candidate for an intermediate facility. Apart from being a test beam facility for accelerator and detector studies, this collider will provide opportunities to study muon and proton beam acceleration, investigate charged particle interactions with extreme electromagnetic fields (relevant for beam delivery system designs and to study the physics at the interaction point), as well as precision Quantum Chromodynamics and Beyond the Standard Model physics measurements. Possible applications of this collider include the studies of $\gamma\gamma$ and $e$-ion collider designs.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Experimental characterization of discharge plasma dynamics in a square capillary for prospective applications in laser wakefield acceleration

Research on plasma generated by electrical discharge in gas-filled capillaries plays an important role in advancing laser wakefield accelerators. We present a comprehensive study of the temporal and spatial distribution of plasma density within a short, 1 cm long, square-shaped capillary filled with hydrogen gas. Two transverse capillary sizes, 500 μm and 300 μm, were investigated achieving peak plasma densities of 0.9 × 10 18 cm −3 and 2.5 × 10 18 cm −3 , respectively, at the capillary center. In addition, we explore how these distributions depend on discharge parameters, specifically discharge current and gas flow through the capillary. Plasma density was determined by analyzing the Stark broadening of the hydrogen Balmer-alpha line. The results obtained were compared with the theoretical models and simulations. The comparison between the model predictions and the experimental data at the transient ionization stage of the discharge reveals a discrepancy of a factor of ∼1.3–2.1, depending on the capillary size, which is thoroughly discussed.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
NASA NTRS1999

Pulsed high energy synthesis of fine metal powders

Repetitively pulsed plasma jets generated by a capillary arc discharge at high stagnation pressure (>15,000 psi) and high temperature (>10,000 K) are utilized to produce 0.1-10 .mu.m sized metal powders and decrease cost of production. The plasma jets impact and atomize melt materials to form the fine powders. The melt can originate from a conventional melt stream or from a pulsed arc between two electrodes. Gas streams used in conventional gas atomization are replaced with much higher momentum flux plasma jets. Delivering strong incident shocks aids in primary disintegration of the molten material. A series of short duration, high pressure plasma pulses fragment the molten material. The pulses introduce sharp velocity gradients in the molten material which disintegrates into fine particles. The plasma pulses have peak pressures of approximately one kilobar. The high pressures improve the efficiency of disintegration. High gas flow velocities and pressures are achieved without reduction in gas density. Repetitively pulsed plasma jets will produce powders with lower mean size and narrower size distribution than conventional atomization techniques.

Witherspoon, F. Douglas↗