A Laser Driven Gun for the Launch of Sub-Millimetre Projectiles

Abstract We introduce a laser-driven-gun (LDG) assembly to launch sub-millimetre sized cylindrical projectiles to velocities of interest to impact experiments. It is an extension of the current laser methodologies of foil illumination and drive, using the captured energy to launch projectiles from a gun-like assembly. The challenge is to launch projectiles with diameters between 0.5 and 1.0 mm to velocities in the kms-1 range. Previous laser-driven spheres have already achieved a few hundreds of ms-1, whereas gas-guns have shown stochastic reliability due to the projectile-to-sabot mass ratio adversely affecting the final trajectories. A foil drive assembly has been designed to explore the feasibility of laser-driven projectiles that bridge the masses between those typical of laser foil launchers and small-bore gas-gun studies. The method is complementary to both launch mechanisms. Simulation results are discussed and assessments made. This methodology is developmental will benefit from further investigation and refinement.