Hybrid Solar and Laser Propulsion

摘要

Hybrid laser experiments have been conducted in a variety of high power/energy laser experiments: beat wave electron accelerators, rainbow and ignitor fusion, particle acceleration and double pulse laser propulsion schemes. Following our determination that the momentum coupling coefficient for burning targets is much higher than for cold targets, we propose using solar energy from a vast thin foil mirror, laid on a pre-prepared surface, to boost the satellite during its atmospheric trajectory. Solar power propels a lighter than air craft during the first part of the ascent and enhances the coupling to the pulsed laser during the second. We present preliminary pendulum coupling results for burning targets and describe a solar and laser hybrid experiment.