Laser initiation of energetic materials: a historical overview

M. D. Bowden; M. Cheeseman; S. L. Knowles; R. C. Drake

doi:10.1117/12.734225

13 September 2007 Laser initiation of energetic materials: a historical overview

M. D. Bowden, M. Cheeseman, S. L. Knowles, R. C. Drake

Proceedings Volume 6662, Optical Technologies for Arming, Safing, Fuzing, and Firing III; 666208 (2007) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.734225
Event: Photonic Devices + Applications, 2007, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Laser initiation of energetic materials has been a topic of interest almost since the invention of the first laser in 1960. Since then, a wide range of lasers, and an even wider range of energetic materials, ranging from sensitive primary explosives such as lead azide, to very insensitive explosives such as Triamino Trinitrobenzene (TATB) have been investigated. With the continuous reduction in laser size, and increase in laser energies and powers, using lasers to initiate energetic materials is becoming easier and more practical to implement in a system environment. In this paper we examine the development of the concept of laser initiation, from its early days using large Ruby lasers, to the more modern use of Nd:YAG lasers. We collate and present here the open source literature published in this field in order to produce a concise and accurate historical overview of the research published to date, and make a prediction of future trends where possible. We also examine research presented in enabling technologies, such as laser-driven flyer plates and high-energy optical fibers.

Citation Download Citation

M. D. Bowden, M. Cheeseman, S. L. Knowles, and R. C. Drake "Laser initiation of energetic materials: a historical overview", Proc. SPIE 6662, Optical Technologies for Arming, Safing, Fuzing, and Firing III, 666208 (13 September 2007); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.734225

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available