Real-Time Instrumentation for Mass Loss Measurements on Laser Materials

摘要

Real-Time mass loss instrumentation has been developed for the Defense NuclearAgency to provide a means of studying laser and target interaction during target illumination by continuous wave (CW) high energy lasers. Mass loss measurements that were addressed in this program are the transients that occur during and immediately following coupon illumination. The high frequency inertial mass measurement technique furnishes rapid mass measurements required to resolve mass transients. The instrumentation possesses resistance to impulsive forces present during material ablation allowing continuous measurements during an event. Tests performed using the prototype balance and a 50 kW CW laser demonstrated this