Abstract: A selectable fragmentation warhead capable of producing a predetermined number of fragments from a metal plate, and accelerating the fragments toward a target. A first explosive located adjacent to the plate is detonated at selected number of points by laser-driven slapper detonators. In one embodiment, a smoother-disk and a second explosive, located adjacent to the first explosive, serve to increase acceleration of the fragments toward a target. The ability to produce a selected number of fragments allows for effective destruction of a chosen target.

Abstract: A improved initiator for artillery shell using an explosively generated laser light to uniformly initiate the propellent. A small quantity of a high explosive, when detonated, creates a high pressure and temperature, causing the surrounding noble gas to fluoresce. This fluorescence is directed into a lasing material, which lases, and directs laser light into a cavity in the propellant, uniformly initiating the propellant.

Abstract: A chemically augmented electrical fuse is triggered using optical energy acquired as a result of the triggering of another chemically augmented fuse. Light energy created as a result of the detonation of the first chemically augmented fuse is conducted to an exothermic pellet of a second fuse. The light energy received at the second fuse is focused on the exothermic pellet by means of a lens. The focused light energy causes the detonation of the exothermic pellet in the second fuse thereby causing the interruption of current through that fuse.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ordnance ignition systems and methods having significantly improved safety and reliability characteristics. In a preferred embodiment, laser energy is used to fire both deflagrating initiators and deflagration-to-detonation devices via fiber optic cable assemblies (FOCA). Relative to known explosive transfer assemblies, FOCAs are lighter, more reliable, less costly, and can be easily and thoroughly tested nondestructively. Although the laser initiated devices (LID) contain moderately sensitive pyrotechnics, their electrical isolation renders them immune from inadvertent initiation by electromagnetic and abnormal optical environments.

Abstract: A laser diode apparatus for initiating explosives or other pyrotechnic devices that has capability of checking both the laser diode operation and the optical fiber continuity between the laser diode source and the explosives required to be detonated. Power isolation circuits are provided to control the flow of current to the laser diode, also isolation filters are used to allow only the command signals to initiate the firing circuits employed.

Abstract: An explosive projectile, eg an anti-tank shell, is fitted with a light-sensitive fuze enabling it to be detonated by a laser pulse transmitted at a time after firing the projectile determined by the pre-determined range to the target and the known velocity of the projectile. The fuze is located in the base of the shell (in addition to the usual impact fuze) with the light-signal detector, eg a photo-diode, facing backwards. The detector is connected to the initiator via "fast" electronic circuitry so that the fuze is insensitive to "slow" or "DC" light signals such as the sun, searchlights etc. The laser beam is made slightly divergent to illuminate a suitable target area. The invention allows an anti-tank shell, normally loaded in the tank gun, to be used effectively against "soft" targets (troops, helicopters, etc) for which a direct hit is not necessary. The laser may be part of the gun range-finder system.

Abstract: A method and system for the Multi-Point ignition of a propellant of an exsive material comprising the steps of: selecting an elongated optic fiber; attaching a suitable energetic material at several sites thereon, irradiating on end of the optic fiber so that light energy is transmitted through the optic fiber and exited at the site of the sensitive material to ignite the material.

Abstract: Apparatus with direct initiation of a confined secondary explosive by energy delivered by a fiber optic from a laser source is achieved in a generally cup-shaped housing into which the fiber optic end extends a distance sufficient to penetrate the secondary explosive containing chamber by a significant amount. The chamber is constructed so as to provide minimum "heat sinking" or heat energy drain into the conducting materials of the chamber thereby to materially reduce the required input energy for initiation to the secondary explosive.

Abstract: A laser actuated thru-bulkhead initiator for transmission of detonation within the initiator without destroying the pressure integrity of the initiator and the seal of the pressure vessel in which the initiator is installed comprises a body portion having an aperture extending throughout the length thereof. This aperture provides an optical path from a laser source to a detonable explosive material positioned within the aperture. The body portion provides a housing for retaining in a first section of the aperture, a primary window element, an attenuator for an explosive shock wave, a second window element, and an explosive material within the aperture and the optical path. A second section of the aperture of the body portion which extends from the outer surface of the second window performs the function of receiving the explosive shock wave energy dissipated from an explosive force released by the detonable explosive composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical detonator including a device to accept a fiberoptic light guide cable 2 held by an attachable device within a elongated hollow body portion containing a frequency converter element 6 placed intermediate the fiberoptic light guide cable terminal end 2 and a quantity of contained explosive material 9 placed adjacent the closed end of the elongated hollow body portion 1 of the detonator.An electromagnetic radiation pulse sent down the fiberoptic cable impinges on the intermediately housed frequency converter element 6 to be converted to infrared radiation energy to fire a "flashing" compound 7 to activate the explosive material 9 of the detonator.

Abstract: A laser diode apparatus for initiating explosives or other pyrotechnic devices that has capability of checking both the laser diode operation and the optical fiber continuity between the laser diode source and the explosives required to be detonated. Power isolation circuits are provided to control the flow of current to the laser diode, also isolation filters are used to allow only the command signals to initiate the firing circuits employed.

Abstract: An apparatus for detonating explosive charges at a given location in response to an initiation at a remote location and after a preselected delay comprises a non-electrical initiation device for generating a non-electrical energy input by detonation or pyrotechnical combustion at the given location and initiated at the remote location, and an electrical igniter also at the given location responsive to the initiation device for time-delayed ignition of the explosive charge. The electrical igniter includes a transducer for generating an electrical output signal in response to the non-electrical energy input, an electronic variable time delay igniter in close proximity to the transducer for setting a preselected time delay and for generating a time delayed electrical output signal and an igniter also in close proximity to the electronic time delay means for initiating the ignition of the explosive charge.

Abstract: The invention relates to an Optical Detonator including a provision to accept a fiberoptic light guide cable 2 within a terminal socket 12 whereby an electromagnetic radiation signal passed down the fiberoptic light guide cable 2 activates a photo-conductor device 16 located within the hollow body portion 3 of the detonator 1 to allow an adjacent primary battery device 20 as the electrical energizing source to pass an electric current through fusehead 7/8 to fire the detonator.

Abstract: A laser actuated thru-bulkhead initiator for transmission of detonation within the initiator without destroying the pressure integrity of the initiator and the seal of the pressure vessel in which the initiator is installed comprises a body portion having an aperture extending throughout the length thereof. This aperture provides an optical path from a laser source to a detonable explosive material positioned within the aperture. The body portion provides a housing for retaining in a first section of the aperture, a primary window element, an attenuator for an explosive shock wave, a second window element, and an explosive material within the aperture and the optical path. A second section of the aperture of the body portion which extends from the outer surface of the second window performs the function of receiving the explosive shock wave energy dissipated from an explosive force released by the detonable explosive composition.

Abstract: A method and system for the production of stress waves in a solid target employs a pulsed source of coherent photon energy. the pulse repetition frequency of the photon energy is chosen in dependence upon the physical dimension and nature of the selected material so as to reinforce reflected compression and rarefaction waves within the material.

Abstract: A miniature photopyrotechnic priming device having a hollow body (18) for receiving a pytotechnic substance (24). A rigid index gradient microlens (30) is mounted in the hollow body for focusing a high energy beam having a given wavelength onto the pyrotechnic substance. A shape memory alloy or metal ferrule (32) is located in the hollow body (18) which has a smaller internal diameter at ambient temperature than the diameter of the microlens. A connector (34) fixed to the body (18) secures the microlens-ferrule assembly and an optical fiber (12) carrying the laser beam.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing high velocity flyer plates involving placing a layer of dielectric material between a first metal foil and a second metal foil. With laser irradiation through an optical substrate, the first metal foil forms a plasma in the area of the irradiation, between the substrate and the solid portion of the first metal foil. When the pressure between the substrate and the foil reaches the stress limit of the dielectric, the dielectric will break away and launch the flyer plate out of the second metal foil. The mass of the flyer plate is controlled, as no portion of the flyer plate is transformed into a plasma.

Abstract: The optical window is useful in laser-initiated explosive devices. It includes a solid transparent block of high temperature-resistant material such as glass, quartz, corundum, cubic zirconia or the like having two opposed light input and light output surfaces, one or both of which bear ablative mirror coatings of metal or the like, preferably aluminum, silver or gold, which can be vaporized by a laser beam. Preferably, the coatings are covered by a protective ablative film which resists scratching or the like. Such may be, for example, silicon monoxide. The coatings reflect incident light so as to prevent inadvertent initiation of explosive situated behind or downstream of the window in an explosive device. Preferably, the block is cylindrical with a curved light-focusing input surface which reduces the intensity which the laser beam trained through the window has to have in order to vaporize the mirror coatings and set off the explosive.

Abstract: A laser driven flyer plate where the flyer plate is deposited directly onto the squared end of an optical fiber. The plasma generated by a laser pulse drives the flyer plate toward a target. In another embodiment, a first metal layer is deposited onto the squared end of an optical fiber, followed by a layer of a dielectric material and a second metal layer. The laser pulse generates a plasma in the first metal layer, but the plasma is kept away from the second metal layer by the dielectric layer until the pressure reaches the point where shearing occurs.

Abstract: A device for ignition of a pyrotechnic material, comprising:(a) piezoelectric means for providing a high voltage electrical pulse in response to mechanical energy;(b) means for emitting a flash of light in response to the high voltage pulse; and(c) a solid state laser capable of emitting a light beam sufficient to ignite a pyrotechnic material in response to said flash of light;and a process of igniting a pyrotechnic device using the same, are disclosed.

Abstract: By interposing, in a detonator/igniter (or igniting) element directly initiatable by a laser pulse, a layer of adequate absorbance over the optical spectral region, which layer can be faded out at the wavelength of the detonator laser, into the beam path, then the layer acts as a switch preventing light other than the laser pulse intended for triggering from setting off detonation of a primary charge within the element. The switching function, i.e., the intensity at which a laser pulse is allowed to pass through, depends on the spectral characteristics of the bleachable absorber and should range between 10.sup.7 and 10.sup.12 W/cm.sup.2. The bleachable absorber is a passive element offering considerable protection from erroneous triggering by light other than the intended laser pulse; it can be manufactured and integrated into the element in an inexpensive and controllable way and does not require any substantial raising of the energy of the laser.

Abstract: The explosive initiator features an angled fiber optic adapter connected thereto. The initiator includes an elongated tubular cartridge with a longitudinal passageway having input and output ends and an explosive disposed therein downstream of a transparent sealing window and upstream of an output closure. The adapter has an elongated passageway therethrough with input and output ends and divided into a first portion at an angle of preferably 90 degrees from the longitudinal axis of the cartridge and a second portion in line with the cartridge. A mirror lens is positioned in the adapter passageway at the intersection of the two portions for reflecting a light beam from an optical fiber in the inlet end of the adapter to the cartridge passageway and focusing the light beam on the window. Preferably the second portion of the adapter is rotatably mounted to the cartridge.

Abstract: A detonator for explosive compositions comprises an outer jacket containing a charge of explosive detonating material which is initiated by a deflagratory primer composition ignitable by an electrical resistance element. The electrical resistance element is coupled with a photo-conductive diode or transistor to close an electrical circuit to initiate detonation in response to laser radiation transmitted to the photo-conductive diode or transistor via an optical light guide.

Abstract: The method seals optical windows in explosive initiators so that the resulting seal remains undamaged by exposure to about - 320.degree.-840.degree. F. and pressures up to 26000 psi. The method includes disposing a solid body optical window of quartz or silica glass or the like in a passageway in a wall of an explosive initiator body of metal, ceramic or the like. The optical window is dimensioned relative to the passageway so that an annular space is provided between the outer periphery of the optical window and the passageway wall. This annular space is filled with solder glass, in powdered or solid body or slurry form. Preferably, the solder glass is a ring which closely fits around the optical window. The resulting sub-assembly preferably abuts a shelf in the passageway formed between two contiguous portions of the passageway with different diameters, the sub-assembly being in the larger portion.

Abstract: A system for laser-ignition of explosives or the like includes a laser system coupled to an optical fiber for conducting light energy to a window positioned at an end of the fiber remote from the laser system. An explosive charge is contained within an initiator housing on a side of the window remote from the adjacent fiber end. A dichroic film is positioned at the window surface adjacent to the explosive charge, and is constructed to reflect light energy within one wavelength range and transmit light energy within another wavelength range. The laser system is controlled for selectively transmitting light energy at the one wavelength range to test continuity of the laser-fiber-initiator light path as a function of reflections from the dichroic film, and at the other wavelength range to ignite the explosive charge. In one embodiment of the invention, the dichroic film takes the form of a transparent disc having the film deposited thereon.

Abstract: A laser beam-detonatable blasting cap containing secondary explosives charged therein in the upper and lower portions, wherein the explosive charged in the upper portion contains a laser beam-absorbing black material and is contacted with an optical fiber at the top. The loading density of the explosive charged in the lower portion is higher than that of the explosive charged in the higher portion, and only the side of the explosive charged in the upper portion is surrounded with a restraining wall. The blasting cap can be easily and surely detonated by a laser beam having a low peak output power generated by means of a pulse-oscillation system without using Q-switching or a continous oscillation system.

Abstract: A self consumable initiator is comprised of a consumable material selected from pyrotechnics, propellants, exothermic alloys, and primary explosive compositions, and one or more lengths of a fiber optic material in physical contact with or embedded in the consumable material. Uniform density of laser energy is transmitted through the fiber optic material to the consumable material in sufficient amount to stimulate the consumable material to its respective ignition point. The consumable material self consumes as it serves to ignite a larger quantity of material such a solid propellant grain. The consumable material is in the form of pellets powders, or castable shapes. When installed in a rocket motor case, the self consumable initiator is bonded or installed as a castable pyrotechnic which conforms to the contour of the front end of a solid rocket motor case. Subsequently, a solid propellant grain is bonded or cast in place in intimate contact with the initiator.

Abstract: A photopyrotechnical detonating device and a photopyrotechnical chain using this device are disclosed. A pyrotechnical charge, which can be actuated by a laser beam, is placed in a solid body. The beam is conveyed by an optical fiber which penetrates a connector mounted on the body. The beam, which is divergent when it leaves the fiber, is made parallel by a first lens. A second lens, mounted on the body, makes the beam converge and works with a transparent barrier to focus the beam on a given point. Tight-sealilng means are provided between the transparent barrier and the body of the device, thus ensuring the containment of the charge. The transparent barrier is shaped like a truncated cone which maintains its integrity within a tapered cylinder after firing of the actuating and boosting charges. The tightness of the transparent barrier within the tapered cylinder is enhanced by the sealing means and prevents fragments from entering the detonating device after firing of the charges.

Abstract: A system is provided for initiating a blasting cap wherein pulsating light energy is converted to electrical energy. An optical coupler couples the source of energy to a remote firing arrangement to transfer the generated pulsating light energy to the firing arrangement. An electrical connection connects the firing arrangement to an ignition resistor in a detonator. Thus, the generated light energy is converted to electrical energy and is transferred to the ignition resistor, the transferred electrical energy being the firing energy for the ignition resistor.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic ignition method in which a semiconductor laser bar or bars containing a number of independent laser array sources deliver optical power in a specified sequence through optical fibers to a set of pyrotechnic elements in order to initiate a sequence of pyrotechnic events, such as a fireworks display, building demolition, emergency ejection sequence, satellite launch, etc. A command signal is transmitted and received, typically by a remote station from the user. The signal is decoded to generate a set of electrical signals representing addresses of individual laser arrays on the laser bar. The laser arrays are activated in the desired sequence in response to the set of electrical signals and emit laser light. This light is transmitted along optical fibers coupled to the individual laser arrays and terminating in pyrotechnic elements. The pyrotechnic elements are ignited in response to optical power received from the optical fibers, typically by direct heating of a detonator.

Abstract: A system for obtaining spherically symmetrical implosion of sample materials by directing radiant ignition energy onto a target which includes a spherically symmetrical core of selected sample material concentrically surrounded by a shell of high explosive material. The resulting implosive compression produces hydrodynamically controlled physical and/or chemical and/or metallurgical transformations of state in the sample material.

Abstract: A projectile having a light-settable photodetector assembly, in the form of a plurality of photovoltaic cell units mounted internally of the projectile, with corresponding respective light passageways, formed preferably by optical fibers, connecting between the exterior of the projectile and the photocell units. Circumferential angular position indexing means is provided on the projectile for index location of an external light source setting device therewith. Each photodetector also electrically connects with an electrical signal storage unit, in the form of a capacitor, which is activated by light acting on the photodetector, thereby enabling inputting and storage of a selected composite digital signal.

Abstract: Optical energy, provided from a remote user-operated source, is utilized to initially electrically charge a capacitor in a circuit that also contains an explosion initiating transducer in contact with a small explosive train contained in an attachable housing. Additional optical energy is subsequently supplied in a preferred embodiment to an optically responsive phototransistor acting in conjunction with a silicon controlled rectifer to release the stored electrical energy through the explosion initiating transducer to set off the explosive train. All energy transfers between the user and the explosive apparatus, either for charging it up or for setting it off, are conveyed optically and may be accomplished in a single optical fiber with coding to distinguish between specific optical energy transfers and between these and any extraneous signals.

Abstract: A unique signal, safe and arming device for preventing the inadvertent detonation of an ordnance, having an initiator barrier disk and an ignitor barrier disk situated adjacent respective opposite open ends of at least one transfer tube containing an initiator therein. The barrier disks are interconnected to move in synchronism with each other from a first position blocking the ends of the transfer tube to a second position unblocking the ends of the transfer tube. A maze-like slot is located within the ignitor barrier disk and a peg operably engages the maze-like slot. While the ignitor barrier disk moves from its first position to its second position under the control of preselected signals, the peg moves radially within the slot also under the control of preselected signals. This arrangement requires the proper input signals for the appropriate movement of both the peg and ignitor barrier disk in order to permit activation of the initiator to take place.

Abstract: A system and method for obtaining spherically symmetrical implosion of sample materials by directing radiant ignition energy onto a target which includes a spherically symmetrical core of selected sample material concentrically surrounded by a shell of high explosive material. The resulting implosive compression produces hydrodynamically controlled physical and/or chemical and/or metallurgical transformations of state in the sample material.

Abstract: A fuse or ignition conductor for conducting ignition from an igniter to a remotely located primer, as used in the detonation of explosives. The ignition conductor contains a light transmitting fiber optic cord bound to the ignition conducting material of the fuse in such manner that if the ignition conducting material is broken, the fiber optic cord is also broken. The claimed subject matter further includes assemblies containing means at the primer end for transmitting light back to the igniter end.

Abstract: Explosive charges for blasting purposes are actuated by a system of optical fibres supplied with energy from a laser. The laser energy output is substantially in excess of that required for detonation and does not need to be preserved in coherent form, enabling transmission to be via optical fibres and connecting and/or distributing devices of quality or properties unsuitable for data transmission. Simple intermittently driven mechanical arrangements can be used for the sequential firing of a set of charges. Connection to detonators can be by expendable lengths of fibre fed from a main optical channel via simple, economic, plug-and-socket arrangements. The detonators, or components containing flashing composition coating the end of the expendable fibre, may be supplied with an attached fibre ready connected to an expendable optical plug.

Abstract: A trigger system for chemical actuators, e.g. of the type used for high voltage isolation, is disclosed. A light source, preferably a laser, emits a powerful, highly concentrated pulse of light energy. The pulse is conveyed by fiber optics to a chemical explosive charge, which it detonates. Because the fiber optics used are excellent electrical insulators, it is possible to locate all of the trigger system except the output end of the fiber optics at ground potential, eliminating the need for shielding the trigger system against high-voltage noise.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for electrical augmentation of steady state detonation waves in solid or fluid explosives. Two electrical conductors are disposed along opposed margins of explosive material and coupled across a source of electrical energy. When the explosive material is detonated and as the detonation wave propagates along the explosive material, electrical energy is furnished across the conductors and into the detonation wave which is more conductive than either the undetonated explosive or detonation product gases. The electrical energy coupled into the detonation wave adds energy over and above that which is normally delivered chemically and thus causes the detonation pressure and velocity to increase and therefore increases the ability of the explosive material to accelerate objects and do work.

Abstract: A projectile having a light-settable photodetector pickup assembly, in the form of a plurality of photovoltaic cell units, circumferentially mounted on the annular surface of the projectile, and also having an angular-position-indicating index reflector on the surface thereof. Each discrete photovoltaic cell unit is electrically connected with an electrical signal storage unit which is activated as a function of light acting on the respective photovoltaic cell unit associated therewith. A further photovoltaic cell unit is preferably provided as a source of energy for storage unit and/or logic or other circuit of operation.

Abstract: A hermetically-sealed pyrotechnic cap is described which includes a plastic (e.g. polyethylene) container and a quantity of pyrotechnic mixture therein. Closure of the container is achieved by heat-sealing an end thereof. A method for effecting the closure is also described.

Abstract: An explosive device comprises an explosive charge and an initiator, the initiator having a discharge lamp optically coupled with said explosive charge and connected to a voltage source via a first switch. According to the invention said discharge lamp has a series resistor shunted via a second switch which is open before and closed when the explosive charge is initiated. The glow discharge evoked through said series resistor cannot initiate the explosive charge, but it shortens the time delay of the avalanche discharge and makes it independent of the stochastic natural ionization.

Abstract: Apparatus for igniting a charge of propellant/explosive material comprising source of laser light coupled by an optical fiber to ends of a plurality of optical fibers within the charge having their other ends coupled to a primer charge in an ignitor tube that is proximate an ignitor charge.