Very high coupling coefficients at low laser fluence with a structured target

Claude R. Phipps; Daniel B. Seibert II; Robert W. Royse; Gregory King; Jonathan W. Campbell

doi:10.1117/12.407330

16 August 2000 Very high coupling coefficients at low laser fluence with a structured target

Claude R. Phipps, Daniel B. Seibert II, Robert W. Royse, Gregory King, Jonathan W. Campbell

Proceedings Volume 4065, High-Power Laser Ablation III; (2000) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.407330
Event: High-Power Laser Ablation, 2000, Santa Fe, NM, United States

Abstract

Results are presented of the first measurements of laser-ablation impulse on structured targets of the modified Fabbro type in which impulse coupling coefficients C_m up to 500 dyne-s/J were obtained for 85-ns duration laser pulses by direct measurement with momentum pendula. Our target design generated these C_m values for single-pulse laser fluence of 1.2 J/cm² and peak intensity 14 MW/cm², an order of magnitude below the intensity at which similar coupling has been observed before. This result is important for the ORION demonstration, since it effectively closes a factor- of-20 deficit between presently available projected intensity at 300 km range and the intensity required for optimum coupling to standard materials. The Nd:glass laser employed in these measurements had 1.05 micrometer wavelength and pulse duration from 25 to 100 ns. Ambient pressure was less than 10 millitorr. Impulse coupling data on water ice, stone, carbon phenolic, PMMA and other materials were also obtained, for cross-calibration and because of interest in applications to 'uncooperative' natural bodies in space. We discuss the significance of these results for planning a laser propulsion demonstration in space, as well as possible extensions which could yield appropriate C_m for repetitively- pulsed propulsion of objects into low Earth orbit (LEO).

Citation Download Citation

Claude R. Phipps, Daniel B. Seibert II, Robert W. Royse, Gregory King, and Jonathan W. Campbell "Very high coupling coefficients at low laser fluence with a structured target", Proc. SPIE 4065, High-Power Laser Ablation III, (16 August 2000); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.407330

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