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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 469 records · Page 26
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2013

Laser ablated copper plasmas in liquid and gas ambient

The dynamics of copper ablated plasma plumes generated using laser ablation of copper targets in both liquid (de-ionized water) and gas (air) ambients is reported. Using time and space resolved visible emission spectroscopy (450-650 nm), the plasma plumes parameters are investigated. The electron density (n{sub e}) determined using Stark broadening of the Cu I (3d{sup 10}4d{sup 1} {sup 2}D{sub 3/2}-3d{sup 10}4p{sup 1} {sup 2}P{sub 3/2} at 521.8 nm) line is estimated and compared for both plasma plumes. The electron temperature (T{sub e}) was estimated using the relative line emission intensities of the neutral copper transitions. Field emission scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectral analysis of the ablated copper surface indicated abundance of spherical nanoparticles in liquid while those in air are amalgamates of irregular shapes. The nanoparticles suspended in the confining liquid form aggregates and exhibit a surface plasmon resonance at ∼590 nm.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2013

High-quality electron beam from laser wake-field acceleration in laser produced plasma plumes

Generation of highly collimated ({theta}{sub div}{approx}10 mrad), quasi-monoenergetic electron beam with peak energy 12 MeV and charge {approx}50 pC has been experimentally demonstrated from self-guided laser wake-field acceleration (LWFA) in a plasma plume produced by laser ablation of solid nylon (C{sub 12}H{sub 22}N{sub 2}O{sub 2}){sub n} target. A 7 TW, 45 fs Ti:sapphire laser system was used for LWFA, and the plasma plume forming pulse was derived from the Nd:YAG pump laser of the same system. The results show that a reproducible, high quality electron beam could be produced from this scheme which is simple, low cost and has the capability for high repetition rate operation.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2013

X-ray radiographic expansion measurements of isochorically heated thin wire targets

Solid density matter at temperatures ranging from 150 eV to <5 eV has been created by irradiating thin wire targets with high-energy laser pulses at intensities ≈10{sup 18}W/cm{sup 2}. Energy deposition and transport of the laser-produced fast electrons are inferred from spatially resolved K{sub α}-spectroscopy. Time resolved x-ray radiography is employed to image the target mass density up to solid density and proves isochoric heating. The subsequent hydrodynamic evolution of the target is observed for up to 3 ns and is compared to radiation-hydrodynamic simulations. At distances of several hundred micrometers from the laser interaction region, where temperatures of 5–20 eV and small temperature gradients are found, the hydrodynamic evolution of the wire is a near axially symmetric isentropic expansion, and good agreement between simulations and radiography data confirms heating of the wire over hundreds of micrometers.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2013

Shock-less interactions of ablation streams in tungsten wire array z-pinches

Shock-less dynamics were observed during the ablation phase in tungsten wire array experiments carried out on the 1.4 MA, 240 ns MAGPIE generator at Imperial College London. This behaviour contrasts with the shock structures which were seen to dominate in previous experiments on aluminium arrays [Swadling et al., Phys. Plasmas 20, 022705 (2013)]. In this paper, we present experimental results and make comparisons both with calculations of the expected mean free paths for collisions between the ablation streams and with previously published Thomson scattering measurements of the plasma parameters in these arrays [Harvey-Thompson et al., Phys. Plasmas 19, 056303 (2012)].

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2013

Electrons trajectories around a bubble regime in intense laser plasma interaction

Some typical electrons trajectories around a bubble regime in intense laser plasma interaction are investigated theoretically. By considering a modification of the fields and ellipsoid bubble shape due to the presence of residual electrons in the bubble regime, we study in detail the electrons nonlinear dynamics with or without laser pulse. To examine the electron dynamical behaviors, a set of typical electrons, which locate initially at the front of the bubble, on the transverse edge and at the bottom of the bubble respectively, are chosen for study. It is found that the range of trapped electrons in the case with laser pulse is a little narrower than that without laser pulse. The partial phase portraits for electrons around the bubble are presented numerically and their characteristic behaviors are discussed theoretically. Implication of our results on the high quality electron beam generation is also discussed briefly.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2013

Plasma focus ion beam fluence and flux—For various gases

A recent paper derived benchmarks for deuteron beam fluence and flux in a plasma focus (PF) [S. Lee and S. H. Saw, Phys. Plasmas 19, 112703 (2012)]. In the present work we start from first principles, derive the flux equation of the ion beam of any gas; link to the Lee Model code and hence compute the ion beam properties of the PF. The results show that, for a given PF, the fluence, flux, ion number and ion current decrease from the lightest to the heaviest gas except for trend-breaking higher values for Ar fluence and flux. The energy fluence, energy flux, power flow, and damage factors are relatively constant from H{sub 2} to N{sub 2} but increase for Ne, Ar, Kr and Xe due to radiative cooling and collapse effects. This paper provides much needed benchmark reference values and scaling trends for ion beams of a PF operated in any gas.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2013

Elliptical magnetic mirror generated via resistivity gradients for fast ignition inertial confinement fusion

The elliptical magnetic mirror scheme for guiding fast electrons for Fast Ignition proposed by Schmitz et al. (Plasma Phys. Controlled Fusion 54, 085016 (2012)) is studied for conditions on the multi-kJ scale which are much closer to full-scale Fast Ignition. When scaled up, the elliptical mirror scheme is still highly beneficial to Fast Ignition. An increase in the coupling efficiency by a factor of 3–4 is found over a wide range of fast electron divergence half-angles.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2013

The role of mass removal mechanisms in the onset of ns-laser induced plasma formation

The present study focuses on the role of mass removal mechanisms in ns-laser ablation. A copper sample is placed in argon, initially set at standard pressure and temperature. Calculations are performed for a 6 ns laser pulse with a wavelength of 532 nm and laser fluences up to 10 J/cm{sup 2}. The transient behavior in and above the copper target is described by a hydrodynamic model. Transmission profiles and ablation depths are compared with experimental results and similar trends are found. Our calculations reveal an interesting self-inhibiting mechanism: volumetric mass removal in the supercritical region triggers plasma shielding and therefore stops proceeding. This self-limiting process indicates that volumetric mass removal does not necessarily result in large ablation depths.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2013

Tailoring femtosecond laser pulse filamentation using plasma photonic lattices

We demonstrate experimentally that by using transient plasma photonic lattices, the attributes of intense femtosecond laser filaments, such as peak intensity and length, can be dynamically controlled. The extended plasma lattice structure is generated using two co-propagating non-diffracting intense Bessel beams in water. The use of such transient lattice structures to control the competition between linear and nonlinear effects involved in filamentation opens the way for extensive control of the filamentation process.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2013

Three-dimensional extreme ultraviolet emission from a droplet-based laser-produced plasma

The emission of extreme ultraviolet radiation in a 2% bandwidth centered at 13.5 nm (in-band) is measured in one hemisphere. The targets of the laser are tin droplets. In-band emission is measured at angles from the laser axis larger than 120 Degree-Sign . Analytical models representing the physical processes are developed and calibrated with the experimental data. In the models two assumptions are investigated, isentropic and isothermal 2D-axisymmetric expansion. The parameters of the models are the density distribution of the plasma and the location where the EUV emission is centered. The parameters are inferred by the calibration of the models with the experimental data. The predictions of the models are validated with experiments where slab targets were used.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2013

Diagnostic of laser-accelerated ion beams for the ELIMED project

The laser-generated plasma, in non equilibrium conditions, has peculiar properties depending strongly on the laser parameters, on the target composition and on the target geometry. Different fast diagnostic techniques can be employed for the plasma characterization in terms of particles and photons emission, plasma temperature and density, ion energy distribution, angular emission, yield and electric field acceleration. Particular attention is devoted to the proton emission from hydrogenated targets and to the proton diagnostics by using time of flight techniques and Thomson parabola spectrometry. The diagnostic techniques will be presented and discussed on the base of the development of the ELIMED project.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2013

Microwave breakdown for the TE{sub 10} mode in a rectangular waveguide

Microwave breakdown is studied for the lowest order TE{sub 10} mode in a rectangular waveguide with the help of direct variational approach via the continuity equation along with the use of ionisation and attachment frequency. We investigate the role of the ionisation, attachment of electron with neutral gas or air molecules and the diffusion on microwave breakdown threshold in the waveguide filled with air or Ar Gas. We examine the effect of different gases and microwave parameters on the diffusion length and the breakdown threshold of electric field of continuous microwave and pulsed microwave. We also employ numerical approach for obtaining the results and compare them with the ones of variational approach.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2013

Dynamics of laser-blow-off induced Li plume in confined geometry

Dynamics of Li plasma plume created by laser-blow-off technique in air ambient is reported. Plasma plume dynamics and its optical emission are investigated in planar and confined geometries using time resolved shadowgraph imaging and optical emission spectroscopy. Significant differences in the plasma characteristics in confined geometry are quantitatively investigated by comparing the plasma parameters (temperature and density) in free expansion and confined geometry configurations. Dynamics and physical parameters of the primary as well as the reflected shock waves (in confined geometry) and their interactions with expanding plasma are briefly addressed. A large enhancement in the emission intensities of Li I 610.3 nm (2p {sup 2}P{sub 1/2,3/2}← 3d {sup 2}P{sub 3/2,5/2}) and 670.8 nm (2s {sup 2}S{sub 1/2}← 2p {sup 2}P{sub 1/2,3/2}) is correlated with the shock wave dynamics in the two geometries. Strong self reversal in the neutral emission infers an increase in the population density of neutrals within the confined plasma plume.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2013

The role of plasma evolution and photon transport in optimizing future advanced lithography sources

Laser produced plasma (LPP) sources for extreme ultraviolet (EUV) photons are currently based on using small liquid tin droplets as target that has many advantages including generation of stable continuous targets at high repetition rate, larger photons collection angle, and reduced contamination and damage to the optical mirror collection system from plasma debris and energetic particles. The ideal target is to generate a source of maximum EUV radiation output and collection in the 13.5 nm range with minimum atomic debris. Based on recent experimental results and our modeling predictions, the smallest efficient droplets are of diameters in the range of 20–30 μm in LPP devices with dual-beam technique. Such devices can produce EUV sources with conversion efficiency around 3% and with collected EUV power of 190 W or more that can satisfy current requirements for high volume manufacturing. One of the most important characteristics of these devices is in the low amount of atomic debris produced due to the small initial mass of droplets and the significant vaporization rate during the pre-pulse stage. In this study, we analyzed in detail plasma evolution processes in LPP systems using small spherical tin targets to predict the optimum droplet size yielding maximum EUV output. We identified several important processes during laser-plasma interaction that can affect conditions for optimum EUV photons generation and collection. The importance and accurate description of modeling these physical processes increase with the decrease in target size and its simulation domain.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

The effect of laser wavelength on laser-induced carbon plasma

The effect of laser wavelength on parameters of laser-ablated carbon plume is studied. A theoretical model is applied, which describes the target heating and formation of the plasma and its expansion, and calculations are made for the fundamental and third harmonic of a Nd:YAG laser. The calculated distributions of plasma temperature and electron density in the early phase of expansion show that plasma temperatures are higher in the case of 1064 nm but the electron densities are higher in the case of 355 nm, which is in agreement with experimental findings. It has been shown that while a higher plasma temperature in the case of 1064 nm is the result of stronger plasma absorption, the greater ablation rate in the case of 355 nm results in larger mass density of the ablated plume and hence, in higher electron densities. An additional consequence of a higher ablation rate is slower expansion and smaller dimensions of the plume.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2013

Emission dynamics of an expanding ultrafast-laser produced Zn plasma under different ambient pressures

We report time and space resolved spectral measurements of neutral Zn emission from an ultrafast laser produced plasma, generated by the irradiation of a Zn target with laser pulses of 100 femtoseconds duration, carried out in a broad ambient pressure range of 0.05 to 100 Torr. The measurement is done for three different axial positions in the expanding plume. The spectra are rich in neutral Zn (Zn I) emissions at 334.5 nm, 468 nm, 472 nm, 481 nm, and 636 nm, respectively, depicting the characteristic triplet structure of Zn. Fast as well as slow peaks are observed in the time of flight data of 481 nm emission, which arise from recombination and atomic contributions, respectively, occurring at different time scales. Average speeds of the fast atomic species do not change appreciably with ambient pressure. The plasma parameters (electron temperature and number density) are evaluated from the measured optical emission spectra. The rates of ionization and recombination can be enhanced by a double-pulse excitation configuration in which optical energy is coupled to the ultrafast plasma through a delayed laser pulse.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

Study of nanosecond laser-produced plasmas in atmosphere by spatially resolved optical emission spectroscopy

We investigate the evolution of the species from both the target and the air, and the plasma parameter distribution of the nanosecond laser-produced plasmas in atmospheric air. The technique used is spatially resolved optical emission spectroscopy. It is argued that the N II from the air, which is distributed over a wider region than the target species in the early stages of the discharge, is primarily formed by the shock wave. The ionized species have a larger expansion velocity than the excited atoms in the first ∼100 ns, providing direct evidence for space-charge effects. The electron density decreases with the distance from the target surface in the early stages of the discharge, and both the electron density and the excited temperature variation in the axial direction are found to become insignificant at later stages.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗