Quasi-steady Operation of Repetitively-pulsed Laser Thruster

Quasi-steady Operation of Repetitively-pulsed Laser Thruster
Author: Takashi Abe
Publisher:
Total Pages: 22
Release: 1989
Genre: Lasers in aeronautics
ISBN:

An experimental study of quasi-steady operation of repetitively-pulsed laser thruster was conducted by using Kr-F laser of 100 pps (pulse per second). The measured impulse coupling coefficient is comparable to the result previously reported and the theoretical value predicted by the transparent vapor model. The thrust level in a quasi-steady operation can be estimated as the impulse coupling coefficient multiplied by the average power of the laser beam, since the time in which the recoil momentum is delivered by each shot of laser beam is satisfactorily smaller than the laser pulse interval. The specific impulse is also measured. It is larger than the theoretical value predicted from the transparent vapor model. During a few thousand shots of laser, there was not much reduction in the impulse coupling coefficient at the present laser power of a few watts. The new configuration in which the thrust vector is anti-parallel to the laser beam is proposed and is demonstrated.

Laser Interferometer (TENKO-10 and -100) for Gravitational Wave Antenna Development

Laser Interferometer (TENKO-10 and -100) for Gravitational Wave Antenna Development
Author: Nobuki Kawashima
Publisher:
Total Pages: 24
Release: 1991
Genre: Antennas (Electronics)
ISBN:

Development of 10 m 102 bounce laser interferometer gravitational wave antenna(TENKO-10) at ISAS is described. The objective is to establish the engineering background for the laser interferometer gravitational wave antenna in Japan so that we can construct a km class antenna for the detection of gravitational waves in future. A particular emphasis was on the achievement of a long term stable operation. 127 hour operation was realized in February-March 1989 and more than 5 hour continuous operation was done without any adjustment. An upgrade of the interferometer to l00m(TENKO-l00) is going to be started in 1991 and will be completed in 1994.

High-Conductivity Channels in Space

High-Conductivity Channels in Space
Author: Victor Apollonov
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 337
Release: 2018-11-03
Genre: Science
ISBN: 3030029522

This book discusses the physics of conductive channel development in space, air and vacuums and summarizes the attempts to create super-long conductive channels to study the upper atmosphere and to complete specific tasks related to energy transmission from the space to earth with high-voltage high repetition rate electrical sources. Conductive channels are produced by the laser jet engine vehicle-propulsion under the influence of powerful high repetition rate pulse-periodic laser radiation by CO2-laser, solid state Nd YAG,HF/DF laser systems generated with each pulse of the powerful laser conductive dust plasma. The book also presents the experimental and theoretical results of conductive canal modeling: the laser jet engine vehicle “Impulsar”, which can reach the lower layers of the ionosphere in several hundred seconds. Further, the book explores the development of lightning protection systems. The so-called long laser spark is generated to provide the conditions for connecting a thunderstorm cloud with a grounded metal rod, i.e. a classical lightning rod. Such conductivity channels can be used for energy transmission, overvoltage protection systems, transport of charged particle beams and plasma antennas. It provides the theoretical and experimental basis of high repetition rate P-P mode of operation for high power lasers (COIL, HF/DF, CO2,Nd YAG). It describes high efficiency and excellent beam quality disk lasers used for numerous applications, including surface treatment of dielectric materials in microelectronics, cutting, drilling, welding, polishing and cleaning of the surface and other technological operations. Lastly it investigates how megawatt mono-module disk lasers could be used to solve various problems: small satellites launched by lasers, formation of super-long conducting channels in space and atmosphere, cleaning of the near-earth space from the space debris and related applications.

High Power Laser Propulsion

High Power Laser Propulsion
Author: Yuri A. Rezunkov
Publisher: Springer Nature
Total Pages: 307
Release: 2021-08-25
Genre: Science
ISBN: 3030796930

This book gives an in-depth analysis of the physical phenomena of thrust production by laser radiation, as well as laser propulsion engines, and laser-propelled vehicles. It brings together into a unified context accumulated up-to-date information on laser propulsion research, considering propulsion phenomena, laser propulsion techniques, design of vehicles with laser propulsion engines, and high-power laser systems to provide movement for space vehicles. In particular, the reader will find detailed coverage of: designs of laser propulsion engines, operating as both air-breathing and ramjet engines to launch vehicles into LEOs; Assembly of vehicles whereby laser power from a remote laser is collected and directed into a propulsion engine; and, the laser-adaptive systems that control a laser beam to propel vehicles into orbits by delivering laser power through the Earth's atmosphere. This book is essential reading for researchers and professionals involved in laser propulsion.