Optical Sensitizer for Low-Energy Laser Ignition of Propellants
A photosensitive additive enables low-energy, reliable laser ignition for rockets and defense.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new optical sensitizer for low-energy laser ignition of propellants. Traditional ignition techniques such as hot-wire bridges and pyrotechnic charges can cause accidental sparking and ignitions. Purdue researchers have integrated a photosensitive component to optically sensitize propellants making them capable of energetic ignition under a laser. The flash band energy is found to be 5-8 J-cm^2 on average and in the presence of a neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser of wavelength 1064 nm and 532 nm respectively were found to be as low as 0.6 J-cm^2. This new method can be implemented in igniter applications including for rocket engines, motor vehicles, and military and defense.
Technology Validation: The flash band energy of the new optical sensitizers when optically ignited under a Nd:YAG laser of wavelength 1064 nm and 532 nm respectively was found to be as low as 0.6 J-cm^2.
Advantages:
-Sustained Ignition
-Low Energy Ignition
-Optical Energy in Reaction
Potential Applications:
-Ignition
-Laser-Induced Ignition
-Propellants
-Rocket Engines
-Motor Vehicles
-Military and Defense
TRL: 4
Intellectual Property:
Provisional-Gov. Funding, 2021-04-30, United States | Utility-Gov. Funding, 2022-02-28, United States | CON-Gov. Funding, 2023-12-01, United States