Nanosecond, multi-frame TEA N/sub 2/ laser diagnostic

Summary form only given, as follows. A four channel transverse-excited-atmospheric (TEA) nitrogen laser system has been assembled to diagnose the UCI Staged Z-Pinch. The laser system consists of four oscillators electrically configured on a strip-transmission line and operating in a super-radiant mode to obtain a time-sequenced, multi-pulse output. The oscillators are DC charged and generate sub-nanosecond pulses with a divergence of 20-25 mrad in and several-nanosecond, pulse-train duration. The individual TEA pulses are amplified by a common low pressure laser (50-150 Torr) operating in the spontaneous emission mode. The amplifier is pulsed charged to 40-45 kV. Laser system diagnostics monitor the sequence of the electric discharge wave in the transmission line and the UV outputs. We present results on the laser output-pulse duration and divergence vs. the electric, geometric, and gas-operating parameters, as well as measurements taken on the UCI Staged Pinch.