Basic Studies Of The Liquid State Of Matter Electrical Properties And Laser Interactions

This research involves basic studies of the electrical properties of the liquid state of matter. Given the intrinsic difficulties associated with physical studies of liquids (liquids lack the order of the crystal and the large inter-particle distances of the gas) we set out to develop new experimental techniques for and new approaches to the study of the electrical properties of liquids. The stated goals of this research were: (1) To establish a fundamental understanding of key basic processes and phenomena which determine the electrical properties of fluids; and (2) To use the new knowledge provided by the basic studies to benefit technological applications, especially in the areas of electrical breakdown of liquids, radiation detectors, pulsed power switches and laser interactions in liquids. To meet these two goals we emphasized studies in the following areas: (a) Electron production via ionization and injection in nonpolar liquids and dense gases; (b) Electron and ion transport in pure liquids and liquid mixtures; (c) Electron attachment and photodetachment in liquids; (d) Electron energetics in and mechanisms of the above processes; (e) Electrical breakdown and partial discharge in pure liquids and mixtures at high electric fields; (f) Technical aspects of liquids for advanced radiation detectors and pulsed power switches; and (g) Further development of liquid-filled flashlamp- operated pulsed power switch.