Diamond Radiator Thinning Using an Excimer Laser

Laser Thinning of Diamond
Laser ablation will be used to thin the diamond chip to the precise thickness required for the radiator. An older excimer laser offered by a local AMO group will be converted from a 248 nm beam to the required 192 nm beam. Although the system was last used 10 years ago, it was left in a fully functioning state and was properly flushed upon decomposition. There may also be another unused excimer laser that can be used for parts in case any repair is needed.

Work Schedule
The following is a list of tasks required to get the Ar-F excimer laser online. Long-term operating goals:
 * Tend to the vacuum system: replace oil in diffusion pump, test for serious leaks at moderately low pressure (10−6 Torr)
 * Test the RF generator (most expensive/hard to replace!)
 * Procure a bottle of pure Ar gas
 * Flush the tube, turn it on and test output power
 * In case of problems, another group has a system out of commission and may allow us to salvage pieces. Barring major repair: expected online by end of 2009 with $2-3k
 * Switch optics to 192nm
 * Get mixture of Ar-F, eventually procure a gas mixing system)
 * Ensure reliable pulse train and consistent power output (±5%)