Probing and Controlling Energetic Materials with Quantum Light and Vibration

Abstract

This project aims to experimentally reveal the role of quantum effects, as well as to alter their strength, in the phase transition and reaction of metastable energetic materials (EMs). Ultimately, the fundamental understanding may lead to novel pathways to stabilize such materials, i.e., manipulating the quantum fluctuation of the electromagnetic and vibrational environment. Many compounds with high energy density are not currently suitable as propellants or explosives in defense applications due to high sensitivity to external stimuli. Yet the transition dynamics and thermodynamics are not always entirely understood, hindering the effort to reduce the sensitivity.

Document Details

Document Type
DoD Grant Award
Publication Date
Feb 06, 2025
Source ID
FA95502410135

Entities

People

  • Hanyu Zhu

Organizations

  • Air Force Office of Scientific Research
  • Rice University
  • United States Air Force

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Quantum Dot Semiconductor Device Photonics and Graphene Optoelectronic Materials and THz Physics.
  • Reinforced Composite Materials
  • Rocket Propulsion.

Technology Areas

  • Quantum Computing