Design, Fabrication, and Characterization of a Laser-Controlled Explosion-Initiating Device with Integrated Safe-and-Arm, EMP-Resistant, and Fast-Acting Technology Based on Photovoltaic Power Converter

Abstract

To augment the intelligence and safety of a rocket or ammunition engine start, an intelligent initiation system needs to be included in the data link. A laser-controlled intelligent initiation system with inherent safety and a laser-controlled explosion-initiating device (LCEID) incorporating electromagnetic pulse (EMP) resistant, safe-and-arms fast-acting modular device based on photovoltaic power converter technology is designed and fabricated in this work. LCEID is an integrated multi-function module consisting of the optical beam expander, GaAs photovoltaic (PV) array, safe-and-arms integrated circuit, and low-energy initiator. These components contribute to EMP resistance, fast-acting, safe-and-arm, and reliable firing, respectively. To achieve intelligent initiation, each LCEID has a unique “identification information” and a “broadcast address” embedded in integrated-circuit read-only memory (ROM), which is controlled by encoded laser addressing. The GaAs PV array was investigated to meet the low-energy initiator firing voltage requirements. Experimental results show that the open-circuit voltage, short-circuit current, and maximum power output of the four-junction GaAs PV array illuminated by a 5.5 W/cm2 laser beam were 220 mA, 21.5 V, and 3.70 W, respectively. When the voltage of the 22 μF energy storage capacitor exceeds 20 V, the laser charging time is found to be shorter than 2.5 s. Other aspects of LCEID, such as laser energy coupling efficiency, the firing process, and the energy-boosting mechanism, were explored. Measurements show that the coupling efficiency of the micro lens with a radius of curvature D = 20 μm and size of r = 50 μm reaches a maximum of 93.5%. Furthermore, for more than 18 V charge voltage, the LCEID is found to perform reliably. The fabricated LCEID demonstrated a high level of integration and intrinsic safety, as well as a finely tailored initiation performance that could be useful in military applications.