Abstract: An initiator firing device has a firing member adapted to generate heat for allowing the initiation of an energetic material arranged in the initiator. The device also has an electrical switch mounted in series with the firing member, the switch changing from an open condition to a closed condition by application at its terminals of a voltage higher than a predetermined cut-in voltage.

Abstract: The invention relates to an energetic igniter charge consisting of a mixture of at least one secondary explosive and an optical doping material in powder form. In accordance with the invention, the optical doping material is a metal. The energetic igniter charge can be used in a detonator as well as in an igniter.

Abstract: The invention relates to an energetic igniter charge consisting of a mixture of at least one secondary explosive and an optical doping material in powder form. In accordance with the invention, the optical doping material is a metal. The energetic igniter charge can be used in a detonator as well as in an igniter.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical detonator comprising a secondary explosive disposed in a cavity, an optical fiber having one end connected to a source of laser radiation, and a focusing optical interface situated between the other end of the optical fiber and the secondary explosive and adapted to transmit the laser radiation to the secondary explosive. According to the invention, a layer of an ignition powder is disposed in the cavity between the secondary explosive and the focusing optical interface.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical detonator comprising a secondary explosive disposed in a cavity, an optical fiber having one end connected to a source of laser radiation, and a focusing optical interface situated between the other end of the optical fiber and the secondary explosive and adapted to transmit the laser radiation to the secondary explosive. According to the invention, a layer of an ignition powder is disposed in the cavity between the secondary explosive and the focusing optical interface.

Abstract: An optical igniter includes a pyrotechnic substance and an optical fiber, one end of which is connected to a source of laser radiation and the other end of which is inserted in a connector. A removable mechanical connection is provided between the optical fiber connector and the pyrotechnic substance. A glass rod between the optical fiber connector and the pyrotechnic substance has its axis aligned with the axis of the optical fiber and is made of graded index glass in one part or two coaxial parts. It is in contact with the pyrotechnic substance and with the end of the optical fiber. Laser radiation from the end of the optical fiber passes through the glass rod and is focused onto the face of the glass rod in contact with the pyrotechnic substance.

Abstract: A first stage of a shock-detonation transition type two-stage optical detonator contains a pyrotechnic substance and an optical fiber, one end of which is connected to a source of laser radiation. The first stage pyrotechnic substance is separated from a pyrotechnic substance of the second stage by a metal plate, one face of which is in contact with the first stage pyrotechnic substance and whose other face is adjacent a cavity which separates it from the second stage pyrotechnic substance and whose edge portion bears against the end of a confinement member confining the second stage pyrotechnic substance.