How Can I Create a Light-Emitting Plasmoid Using a 1 Watt 808nm Diode Laser?

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter greenev363
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Nitrogen Plasma
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the creation of a light-emitting plasmoid using a 1 watt 808 nm diode laser, specifically focusing on the feasibility of generating plasma from nitrogen in the air. Participants explore the necessary conditions, parameters, and potential alternatives for achieving this effect.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about methods to create a glowing plasmoid using a 1 watt 808 nm diode laser, questioning the possibility of pulsing the laser similarly to a Q-switched YAG laser.
  • Another participant suggests that generating a plasma jet requires amplified ultra-short pulses, recommending parameters of around 4 watts at 3 kHz with a pulse length of 30 fs, indicating that a diode laser with nanosecond pulse lengths may not be effective.
  • A different participant seeks specific values for the power density required from the 808 nm diode laser to induce visible plasma in nitrogen, expressing a preference to use the existing laser rather than switching to another type.
  • One participant notes that producing plasma necessitates sufficiently high electric fields to ionize the matter, implying that calculations can be made based on the beam parameters.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the effectiveness of the 1 watt 808 nm diode laser for creating plasma, with some suggesting alternative parameters and methods while others focus on the specific capabilities of the diode laser.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not reached a consensus on the specific parameters or methods required to create a plasmoid, and there are unresolved questions regarding the necessary conditions for effective plasma generation.

greenev363
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
Would anyone know or happen to be able direct me to some information:

How would I create a glowing plasmoid in the air using a 1 watt 808 nm diode laser?

Essentially I am converting the nitrogen in the air into a plasma using a 1watt 808nm diode laser focused to a point.

Now is there anyway to pulse this laser the same way a qswitch would pulse a yag laser?
Or is it possible to create a light emitting plasmoid using the 808 itself?

Any information on this would be helpful.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
as far as i know one needs amplified ultra-short pulses to generate a plasma jet. which means something like 4 Watt at 3 khZ and 30 fs pulse length. with this parameter you should easy get a plasma within the focus of the laser. a diode laser with ns pulse length or so shouldn't work.
 
I'm looking for specific values such as how many watts per mm3 from an 808 nm diode laser, pulsed at whatever rate is required to induce a plasma within the available nitrogen in typical cubic mm of air. This plasmoid has to be visible.
Or are there other easier ways such as a different type of laser, however, I currently have the 808 and I would like to stick with it.
 
To produce a plasma you need electric fields that are high enough to ionize the matter. from that point you can calculate back the parameters of the beam.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
7K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
6K
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K