Influence of metal target on the evolution of laser supported detonation waves

Laser induced-phenomena were studied using a TEA (Transversely Excited Atmospheric pressure) CO₂ laser which was focused onto a metal target in an ambient gas of N₂ (0.5 atm - 2.0 atm) or He (1.0 atm). Evolutions of the laser-absorption region and the laser-induced shock waves were observed by a fast framing camera and a shadowgraph method. Results showed that the laser induced phenomena evolve as a laser supported detonation. Results also indicated that the metal target plays an important role both for the formation of laser plasma and the acceleration of the laser-induced shock waves. (author)