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Laser ablation of energetic polymer solutions: effect of viscosity and fluence on the splashing behavior

Fardel, Romain ; Urech, Lukas ; Lippert, Thomas ; Phipps, Claude ; Fitz-Gerald, James ; Wokaun, Alexander

In: Applied Physics A, 2009, vol. 94, no. 3, p. 657-665

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    Title
    • Laser ablation of energetic polymer solutions: effect of viscosity and fluence on the splashing behavior
    Author
    • Fardel, Romain. Laboratory for Functional Polymers, Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Testing and Research, Überlandstrasse 129, 8600, Dübendorf, Switzerland
    • Urech, Lukas. General Energy Research Department, Paul Scherrer Institut, 5232, Villigen PSI, Switzerland
    • Lippert, Thomas. General Energy Research Department, Paul Scherrer Institut, 5232, Villigen PSI, Switzerland
    • Phipps, Claude. Photonic Associates, LLC, 200A Ojo de la Vaca Road, 87508, Santa Fe, NM, USA
    • Fitz-Gerald, James. Department of Materials Science & Engineering, University of Virginia, 395 McCormick Road, 22904-4745, Charlottesville, VA, USA
    • Wokaun, Alexander. General Energy Research Department, Paul Scherrer Institut, 5232, Villigen PSI, Switzerland
    Document Type
    • Postprint
    OAI-PMH Identifier
    • oai:doc.rero.ch:310220
    Summary
    Laser plasma thrusters are a new kind of propulsion system for small satellites, and work with the thrust created by the laser ablation of a target. Liquid polymer solutions are very promising fuels for such systems, provided that no splashing of the target occurs, because ejection of droplets strongly decreases the performances of the system. We have investigated the nanosecond infrared laser ablation of glycidyl azide polymer solutions containing carbon nanoparticles as absorber. Shadowgraphy imaging revealed two cases, namely splashing regime and solid-like behavior. The transition between both regimes depends on the viscosity of the solution and on the laser fluence, and is explained by the recoil force acting on the target. Appropriate conditions to avoid splashing were identified, showing that this liquid polymer solution is a suitable fuel for laser plasma thrusters