Laser Triggering System for Dual-pulse Laser Diagnostics

The two-pulse synchronous excitation technique used for remote laser diagnostics of matter is of great interest, since it significantly expands the capabilities of traditional methods of single-pulse laser action. However, the practical implementation of the technique requires strict synchronization of the times of sending laser pulses and automated control of their time positions. The two-pulse excitation scheme needs in more complex equipment. Standard laser triggering and control tools are expensive, cumbersome, and not always applicable. The paper describes a specialized laser triggering system capable of recording the shape and position of excitation pulses and their displaying on a single time scale. The structural diagram and technical characteristics of the system are presented; an example of its operation as a component of a research setup for remote laser detection of organophosphorus compounds by the two-pulse LF/LIF laser fragmentation technique is given. The developed synchronization system can be used in optical diagnostics, where synchronous action of two or more independent laser sources is required, to set and control the time delay between laser pulses.