Flyer Velocity Characteristics of the Laser-Driven Miniflyer System

摘要

The laser-driven MiniFlyer system is used to launch a small, thin flyer plate for211u001eimpact on a target. Consequently, it is an indirect drive technique that de-211u001ecouples the shock from the laser beam profile. The flyer velocity can be 211u001econtrolled by adjustment of the laser energy. The upper limits on the flyer 211u001evelocity involve the ability of the substrate window to transmit the laser light 211u001ewithout absorbing, reflecting, etc.; i.e., a maximum amount of laser energy is 211u001edirectly converted into kinetic energy of the flyer plate. We have investigated 211u001ethe use of sapphire, quartz, and BK-7 glass as substrate windows. In the past, a 211u001eparticular type of sapphire has been used for nearly all MiniFlyer experiments. 211u001eResults of this study in terms of the performance of these window materials, 211u001ebased on flyer velocity, are discussed.