Laser Match Head for Pyrotechnic Ignition
Abstract
A reliable, cheap and simple pyrotechnic match head has been developed utilizing a pyrotechnic slurry at the end of an optical fibre. A 1 W pulsed diode laser has been used to ignite the match head at pulse energies of about 2 mJ. The laser matchhead is a convenient means for ignition of pyrotechnic devices less prone to unintentional ignition from electromagnetic fields, radio frequency absorption, electromagnetic pulses, electrical discharge or stray electrical energy than conventional bridgewire match heads connected to electrical cables. The laser match head can also be coated with layers of different pyrotechnic slurry in order to make the match head less friction and impact sensitive, and to give the match head different thermal ignition properties.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA417892
Entities
People
- Augustine Lee
- Kenneth Smit
- Michael Stringer
Organizations
- Defence Science and Technology Group