AVS 64th International Symposium & Exhibition
    Plasma Science and Technology Division Tuesday Sessions
       Session PS-TuP

Paper PS-TuP12
Characterization of Ion Lasers with Paschen Curves

Tuesday, October 31, 2017, 6:30 pm, Room Central Hall

Session: Plasma Science and Technology Poster Session
Presenter: Steven Flores, San Jose State University and Coherent Inc.
Authors: S. Flores, San Jose State University and Coherent Inc.
C. Fields, Coherent Inc.
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Paschen curves for argon and krypton are obtained by measuring the breakdown voltage of gases in an ion laser plasma tube. The data are taken at various pressures (voltages) with fixed electrode separations. Paschen curves can be used to determine the optimal setting of an ion plasma laser based on minimal breakdown voltage for a given plasma power. The Paschen curves vary with gas type and pressure. The trend lines can also be used to indicate the presence of impurities in the plasma.