Nuclear Pumped Laser is a laser where nuclear fission fragments captured in special lasing mixture induce plasmas so that the inversion population of levels corresponds to the laser transition with appropriate wavelengths. The energy stored in the inversion population is extracted from laser cell by the optical system as a laser beam. Application of nuclear fission fragments energy for pumping of laser is a prospect and very promising way because of high energy and efficiency of particles.    Principle of operation of Nuclear Pumped Laser is shown in this figure:
Here:	1 - neutron flux; 2 - fission fragments; 3 - U235 film;
	4 - laser medium; 5 - optical windows; 6 - "feedback" mirror;
	7 - output mirror; 8 - laser beam.
Neutrons from the ignition reactor passing through the the laser active element (LAEL) are moderated and induce a chain fission reaction of uranium-235 in the coating of LAEL. The fission fragments (high energy ions) captured in lasing mixture induce plasmas with the inversion population of levels. The energy stored in the inversion population is extracted from laser module by the special optical system equipped with "feedback" and output mirrors (so-called "nuclear pumped laser generator").
Back to:	Institute for Physics & Power Engineering  Fission, Fusion & Laser Studies Department  Technical Physics Laboratory
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