Ultrafast Laser Shock Coupled with Spectroscopic Techniques: Tools in Investigations of the Initial Events of Shock-Induced Initiations

Author(s):

Nhan C. Dang and Frank C. De Lucia Jr.

Abstract:

The crucial steps in the predictive science of explosives occur in the first few hundreds of picoseconds during initiation. Experimental observations during this time frame will reveal essential information for modeling to enable the design of improved energetic molecules. Therefore, developing techniques to observe the dynamic responses of explosive molecules is necessary. In this report, we discuss the role of tabletop ultrafast laser shock coupled with ultrafast dynamic ellipsometry and transient absorption spectroscopy in exploring the dynamic responses of explosives during the picosecond time scale.