I understand that a particle /linear accerator would be the logical source supplying the energetic, free electrons to the LASER cavity, and that super-cooled, super-conducting magnets (like used in an accelerator or magnetic resonance imaging system) can be used as "wigglers" to tune the wavelength of the emitted photons, but how in "Zues' name" do the electrons that were once free and energetic get recycled into the particle accerator to be reenergized? How does one avoid destroying the mirrors by the tremendous energy and "hot spots"?
2006-06-27 19:54:19 · 3 answers · asked by laseranimation2004 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Other - Science
You asked several questions. My answer applies to the generation of "free electrons".
If you can, picture the structure of an electronic vacuum tube, the invention of which (the triode, at least) is attributed to Lee Deforest. Thomas Edison worked on similar devices.
1) A material (such as Thorium) is electrically heated to a temperature such that electrons are "boiled off" and are electrostatically attracted to a positively (voltage) charged "plate" in a vacuum. This flow of free electrons is a current (amperes).
2) These electrons are NOT recycled. The Thorium gradually deteriorates - is worn out.
3) In a similar manner, this may be a source of electrons in the devices you mention.
2006-07-04 06:28:04 · answer #1 · answered by Puzzleman 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You might ask the guys at the linear accelerator in central California.
It's "Zeus" but I'd bet the real God of all (Jesus) would know.
2006-06-27 20:08:52 · answer #2 · answered by Cordelia 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
WOW
That's a tuffy.
2006-06-27 19:58:50 · answer #3 · answered by Rick A 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋