Variable repetition rate pulse power supply based on magnetic pulse compression for copper vapor lasers

The Magnetic Pulse Compression (MPC) system is a well-established method for generating high-peak-power, short-duration voltage pulses, commonly used in pulse power supplies (PPS). Traditionally designed for a fixed high repetition rate, this paper explores the techniques and outcomes of variable repetition rate operation in an MPC-based PPS used to excite a copper vapor laser (CVL). Specifically, the PPS, initially designed for 9 kHz operation, is tested at three different rates: 8 kHz, 9 kHz, and 10 kHz. A mathematical model is developed, and experimental modifications are presented in this paper. The study investigates the impact of repetition rate variations on CVL parameters, particularly phantom current (Phantom current: 47% at 8 kHz, 54% at 9 kHz, and 51% at 10 kHz). Phantom current reduces at 10 kHz due to improved impedance matching. At 8 kHz, the laser output is 24W, increases to 30W at 9 kHz and 43W at 10 kHz with a plane-plane resonator configuration. This trend extends to the master oscillator power amplifier (MOPA) at 10 kHz, resulting in a 50% increase in optical power output compared to 9 kHz. This improvement at 10 kHz applies to various parameters, including optical pulse characteristics, average power, electro-optic efficiency, energy per pulse, reduced jitter, and impedance matching.