Thrust Generation and Wavelength Dependence of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) by Laser-Induced Ablation

This study explores thrust generation from carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) using nanosecond laser ablation under vacuum. Thrust was measured with nanosecond lasers at 1064, 532, 355, and 266nm. The momentum coupling coefficient (Cm) exhibits a pronounced increase at the first pulse, with the largest first-pulse Cm obtained at 532nm. For subsequent pulses, Cm shows a clear wavelength dependence and reaches its maximum at 266nm, where the maximum value is about 1.43 times larger than that at 1064nm. Microscopic analysis confirmed resin retreat and fiber exposure, supporting a dual-component ablation model in which the initial removal of the polymer matrix and the following ablation of the exposed carbon fibers both contribute to thrust generation. These results highlight the role of CFRP's composite structure in laser propulsion and provide key design data for laser-based space debris removal systems.