Driving an Atmospheric TEA Laser with an Electrostatic Drop Generator

[bananaman]

Is this possible?

Or does a TEA Laser using air as the lasing medium require higher amperages than an electrostatic generator would produce?
I know the time between pulses would be much slower than using say, a neon sign transformer, but this would be much easier and cheaper.
My goal is to make something that actually is a laser, for dirt cheap.

This is my best option in my opinion.

Are there any better options?

Thanks a ton!

-bananaman

 

[Meatball]

It seems to me that the voltage is what you need to jump electrons across the lasing cavity, and that the current will be directly proportional to the consequential molecular stimulation. You will need enough of this stimulation to cause a population inversion in the lasing cavity. So I would say that a higher current will give you thicker, hotter plasmas from which you can pull your lasing action. But depending on the type of PSU you use, and the type of capacitors you use, and the type of electrodes you use, your max allowed current will be limited. So don't burn up your electrodes, and don't kill yourself because of the increased current. 18mA = Lethal

Higher current flow will also mean faster cap charging which is what you can use to get faster pulse reps.

You realize that drop generators can take up lots of space, right? It would be very unique laser to say the least, but if you want better performance, try 5,000V NST.

Any better options than even an NST? Let me think about that for a day... :thinking:

Hope this helps,

-Tyler

 

[bananaman]

I do realize how large an electrostatic drop generator is.

Thanks a ton for all the info!!