Plasma-Electrode Pockel Cell (PEPC)

[SteveeGeorge]

Hi all,

I am trying to further my understanding of the Plasma-Electrode Pockel Cell, particularly used at the National Ignition facility. As I currently understand it, its used as an optical switch by rotating the polarization of light when it passes through a KDP crystal and plasma electrodes, but I don't fully understand how it works.

Could anyone shine some light on this for me?

-Steve

 

[Astronuc]

Hi all,

I am trying to further my understanding of the Plasma-Electrode Pockel Cell, particularly used at the National Ignition facility. As I currently understand it, its used as an optical switch by rotating the polarization of light when it passes through a KDP crystal and plasma electrodes, but I don't fully understand how it works.

Could anyone shine some light on this for me?

-Steve

This apparently explains it with respect to its function at NIF.
https://lasers.llnl.gov/about/how-nif-works/seven-wonders/optical-switch

Some more details - http://www.lle.rochester.edu/media/publications/lle_review/documents/v107/107_01HighContrast.pdf

https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc626447/m2/1/high_res_d/113982.pdf

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pockels_effect