Dynamics of a polymer shock optical microgauge studied by picosecond coherent Raman spectroscopy

Abstract

Picosecond coherent Raman scattering (ps CARS) is used to measure dynamic frequency shifts of a thin layer of polymer compressed by a laser driven shock wave. The shock response of this optical microgauge is calibrated by static measurements of frequency shift versus pressure and temperature. A peak shock pressure of 1.9 (±0.3) GPa is observed in a microgauge with a response time of about 2 ns. The use of ps CARS optical gauges to measure ultrafast shock-induced chemical reactivity of energetic materials is discussed briefly.