Title :
Laser ablation for space propulsion: the concept and its dynamic characteristics
Author :
Pakhomov, A.V. ; Thompson, M.S. ; Gregory, D.A.
Author_Institution :
Dept. of Phys., Alabama Univ., Huntsville, AL, USA
Abstract :
This work reviews the experimental studies performed by the authors on the recently revived concept of ablative laser propulsion. Specific impulses approaching 2/spl times/10/sup 4/ s and other crucial dynamic characteristics are reported for the first time.
Keywords :
aerospace propulsion; laser ablation; CW-irradiation; ablative laser propulsion; compression waves; dynamic. characteristics; energy efficiency; figure of merit; ion number density angular distributions; ion velocities; laser ablation; laser-sustained plasma; mass-removal rates; momentum transfer; net momenta; solid propellant; space propulsion; specific impulse; Chemical elements; Gas lasers; Laser ablation; Laser theory; Optical pulses; Plasma measurements; Plasma waves; Propellants; Propulsion; Solid lasers;
Conference_Titel :
Lasers and Electro-Optics, 2001. CLEO/Pacific Rim 2001. The 4th Pacific Rim Conference on
Conference_Location :
Chiba, Japan
Print_ISBN :
0-7803-6738-3
DOI :
10.1109/CLEOPR.2001.967851
