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DTRA’s advancements in nuclear and radiological detection
A new, more complex nuclear age has begun. Echoing the tensions of the Cold War amid rapidly evolving nuclear and radiological threats, preparedness in the modern age is a contest of scientific innovation. The Research and Development Directorate (RD) at the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) is charged with winning this contest.
J.D Broesch, W.A Peebles, P. Prybyl, R.T. Snider
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 39 | Number 2 | March 2001 | Pages 1152-1156
Plasma Diagnostics | doi.org/10.13182/FST01-A11963401
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
CO2 pumped FIR (Far Infrared) lasers have a number of valuable uses in the diagnostics arena of fusion research. To maintain lasing, the tuning of the two lasers must be tightly coupled. This coupling presents interesting control problems. A number of analog approaches have been employed to implement tightly coupled tuning control. Such implementations, however, suffer from a lack of flexibility. A new digital controller has been developed that greatly increases the range of control strategies that may be implemented. Of further interest is the controller's capability to provide 96dB of dynamic range when driving −200V piezoelectric transducers. This paper will discuss the algorithms and hardware used in this controller. Lessons learned from the development effort will presented.