Eye/Sensor Protection Against Laser Irradiation Ablative Mirror Devices: A Materials Assessment

Abstract

The potential of the ablative mirror concept as an eye/sensor protection system is assessed from a materials science perspective. Realistic operating parameters for the ablative mirror device are determined through examinations of the critical device components. Using these operational parameters and a derived model of laser-surface interactions, the response of different mirror materials is examined. Based on the measured material responses from research literature and our calculated values, we conclude that the ablative mirror concept is not a feasible method of eye protection using typical mirror materials (assuming a device optical gain of 105 and a minimum material reflectivity of 70%). Analysis of the interaction between laser irradiation and material surfaces resulted in the identification of a number of important material parameters that can be used to guide material development and identify promising new mirror materials. Areas for future research are also suggested. Mirror, Sensor protection, Ablation, Optical fuse, Eye protection, Sensor hardening.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 17, 1992
Accession Number
ADA248787

Entities

People

  • Douglas B. Chrisey
  • Michael E. Boyle
  • Robert F. Cozzens

Organizations

  • United States Naval Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Crystal Lattices
  • Crystal Structure
  • Detectors
  • Failure Mode And Effect Analysis
  • Heat Energy
  • Heat Of Fusion
  • Heat Of Vaporization
  • Materials
  • Materials Laboratories
  • Materials Processing
  • Materials Science
  • Nanosecond Time
  • Optical Properties
  • Physical Properties
  • Reflectivity
  • Thermal Conductivity
  • Vaporization

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Optical Physics and Photonics.
  • Reinforced Composite Materials
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy