8-FRAME HOLOGRAPHIC-INTERFEROMETRY SYSTEM FOR TRANSIENT PLASMA DIAGNOSTICS

A multiframe technique that uses Fresnel holography is described. Spli tting of the initial pulse by means of 50/50 beam splitters provides t wo sets of eight consecutive pulses with approximately the same energy but with different angles. Each interferogram is recorded separately. The technique has been used to obtain time-resolved Fresnel holograph ic interferograms of transient electrical discharges, such as Z pinch. A frequency-doubled, Q-switched Nd:YAG laser (6-ns FWHM) is used. A d elay between consecutive pulses of 10 ns is achieved, and it is mainly limited by the physical size of the laboratory. Interferograms obtain ed on a gas-embedded Z pinch are shown. (C) 1995 Optical Society of Am erica