Laser lightcraft performance

Willy L. Bohn

doi:10.1117/12.376982

1 February 2000 Laser lightcraft performance

Willy L. Bohn

Proceedings Volume 3885, High-Power Laser Ablation II; (2000) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.376982
Event: Advanced High-Power Lasers and Applications, 1999, Osaka, Japan

Abstract

Using a pulsed CO₂ laser test-bed the properties of a laser lightcraft are investigated with respect to the thrust generating mechanisms. New optical diagnostics allow to measure the mechanical impulse imparted to the lightcraft by the laser pulse with high accuracy. Density variations are measured with a HeNe probe laser and identified as shock waves originating from the laser-induced air breakdown. Wire guided indoor vertical flights are demonstrated with accelerations of about 1 g. Satisfactory agreement between theory and experiment in the time-space domain is found using a strong explosion model. Prediction of mission requirements suggests that lightcrafts of 1 - 10 kg can be placed into orbit with current technology.

Citation Download Citation

Willy L. Bohn "Laser lightcraft performance", Proc. SPIE 3885, High-Power Laser Ablation II, (1 February 2000); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.376982

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