Overview of nuclear-pumped lasers

Abstract

The first demonstration of a nuclear-pumped laser (NPL) dates back to the mid-1970s while theoretical studies started earlier. This history will be briefly reviewed, followed by a discussion of the present status of various NPL concepts. Both physics and engineering issues are noted. Most attention has been given to gaseous media due to problems associated with radiation damage in liquid- and solid-state media. Various pumping methods, ranging from direct pumping of the laser medium to the use of nuclear-pumped flashlamps, will be discussed. Recent experimental results on pumping of O2(1Δ), the first demonstration of a nuclear-pumped flashlamp-driven laser XeBr*-I, and the new 3He-Ne-H2 NPL will be presented. Potential applications and corresponding NPL requirements, e.g., the long delay time requirements for an inertial fusion driver based upon NPLs, will be reviewed.