Overview and recent applications of the miniaturized HiPoLas ignition system

The requirements of the space industry for reusable, low cost or clustered engines have triggered high interest in a laser ignition system capable of multi-point ignition. The miniaturized SAL HiPoLas laser ignition system developed for single-point direct-plasma ignition has recently been enhanced towards a fiber coupling, multiplexing, and distribution system. A brief history of the HiPoLas development with an overview of the latest, highly miniaturized generation V ignition system is shown. Applications of the miniaturized ignition system, summarizing more than 10 years of development in the field of rocket engine laser ignition, as well as the first results of a recently developed prototype of a fiber distribution system, based on diffractive optical elements, are presented.