Development of diode laser-ignited pyrotechnic and explosive components

Conference · Mon Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1990

OSTI ID:6922851

Jungst, R G; Salas, F J; Watkins, R D; Kovacic, L

Studies are described which have led to the development of prototype diode laser-ignited pyrotechnic and explosive devices. These are of interest because they eliminate some concerns associated with ignition from hot wires such as conductance after firing, sensitivity to electromagnetic radiation and electrostatic discharge, and bridgewire corrosion. The availability of high power diode lasers is a key feature for the success of this concept. A pyrotechnic, Ti/KClO{sub 4}, and the deflagration-to-detonation transition (DDT) explosive CP have been evaluated and found suitable for use in LDI components. Doping with materials such as carbon black to increase light absorption near 800 nm is a major factor in reducing the laser power required to ignite CP, but does not strongly affect the ignition of Ti/KClO{sub 4}. Other material and laser input parameters were also studied to determine their influence on ignition thresholds. Even though they contain different energetic materials, the energy-power relationship of these optical igniters was generally similar in shape to those of other thermal ignition devices such as stable and electric igniters. Prototype, hermetically sealed, optical headers have been fabricated, loaded, and test fired with CP and Ti/KClO{sub 4}. Glass to metal sealing technology has been developed to insert sapphire windows or optical fiber segments in these fixtures. Devices containing fiber segments demonstrated superior performance in threshold tests. 8 refs., 12 figs., 3 tabs.

• Research Organization: Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (USA)
• Sponsoring Organization: DOE/DP
• DOE Contract Number: AC04-76DP00789
• OSTI ID: 6922851
• Report Number(s): SAND-90-0031C; CONF-900792--6; ON: DE90011238
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEFENSE
450100* -- Military Technology
Weaponry
& National Defense-- Chemical Explosions & Explosives
CHEMICAL EXPLOSIVES
DESIGN
DETONATORS
EXPLOSIVES
FIBERS
IGNITION
LASERS
OPTICAL FIBERS
PYROTECHNIC DEVICES
SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES
SEMICONDUCTOR LASERS
SOLID STATE LASERS
TESTING