Billion shot flashlamp for spaceborne lasersA billion-shot flashlamp developed under a NASA contract for spaceborne laser missions is presented. Lifetime-limiting mechanisms are identified and addressed. Two energy loadings of 15 and 44 Joules were selected for the initial accelerated life testing. A fluorescence-efficiency test station was used for measuring the useful-light output degradation of the lamps. The design characteristics meeting NASA specifications are outlined. Attention is focused on the physical properties of tungsten-matrix cathodes, the chemistry of dispenser cathodes, and anode degradation. It is reported that out of the total 83 lamps tested in the program, 4 lamps reached a billion shots and one lamp is beyond 1.7 billion shots, while at 44 Joules, 4 lamps went beyond 100 million shots and one lamp reached 500 million shots.
Document ID
19910040263
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Richter, Linda (ILC Technology, Inc. Sunnyvale, CA, United States)
Schuda, Felix (ILC Technology, Inc. Sunnyvale, CA, United States)
Degnan, John (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)