Angular distributions of plasma edge velocity and integrated intensity: Update on specific impulse for Ablative Laser Propulsion
- Department of Physics, University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, AL 35899 (United States)
This work concludes our discussion of the image processing technique developed earlier for determination of specific impulse (Isp) for Ablative Laser Propulsion (ALP). The plasma plumes are recorded with a time-resolved intensified charge-coupled device (ICCD) camera. The plasma was formed in vacuum ({approx} 3x10-3 Torr) by focusing output pulses of a laser system (100-ps pulsewidth at 532 nm wavelength and {approx}35 mJ energy) on surfaces of C (graphite), Al, Si, Fe, Cu, Zn, Sn, and Pb elements. Angular profiles for integrated intensity and plasma expansion velocity were determined for the tested elements. Such profiles were used further for assessment of specific impulse. Specific impulses derived from angular distributions of plasma expansion velocity and integral intensity appeared in excellent agreement with the data derived earlier from force measurements.
- OSTI ID:
- 20722175
- Journal Information:
- AIP Conference Proceedings, Vol. 766, Issue 1; Conference: 3. international symposium on beamed energy propulsion, Troy, NY (United States), 11-14 Oct 2004; Other Information: DOI: 10.1063/1.1925162; (c) 2005 American Institute of Physics; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0094-243X
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Diagnostics and Impulse Performance of Laser-Ablative Propulsion
The Influence of spot size on the expansion dynamics of nanosecond-laser-produced copper plasmas in atmosphere