High-brightness ultraviolet radiation source based on a cumulative plasmadynamic discharge

A high-power quartz light source was developed on the basis of a three-channel cumulative plasmadynamic discharge with high brightness temperatures in the visible (~25×10³ °K) and near ultraviolet (~20×10³ °K) parts of the spectrum. This source was pulse-periodic and it could be used to illuminate uniformly extended objects ensuring a high optical energy density (~4.2 J/cm²) on the surface. The plasma was heated by shock interaction and cumulation of oppositely directed hypersonic dense plasma streams formed as a result of highcurrent electric discharges in magnetoplasma compressors. An experimental study was made of the dynamics of the discharge, as well as of its energy and radiative characteristics. The possibility of increasing the brightness of plasma light sources in the near ultraviolet part of the spectrum was considered.