Formation and Operation Parameters of SiC Electrodes in Laser Discharge

Abstract

In this work, laser discharge electrodes were fabricated using SiCcomposite as a base material. The electrodes were also fabricated by addingcopper to the composite material under different formation conditions. Theseelectrodes were employed to operate discharge system of a TEA-CO2 laser.Operation parameters were studied considering several influences such asreduction factor, grain size, forming pressure, sintering time andtemperature, and copper added ratio. Also, the electrical characteristics, suchas conductivity, electric discharge uniformity and current pulse shape, wereintroduced. It is aimed to optimize the experimental conditions leading toproduce the discharge electrodes suitable for stable and long-life operation oflaser system.