Surface scattering at LSD-wave initiation sites on nonmetallic materials

Abstract

Elliptical and circular fringe damage patterns have been observed at laser-supported detonation (LSD) wave initiation sites on acrylic plastic and fused silica surfaces irradiated in air with 10.6-μ laser radiation. The patterns are believed to result from a surface scattering mechanism at point-scattering centers which may play a significant role in LSD-wave initiation on nonmetallics.