An explosion is considered to be a complex activity that is characterized by quickly changing temperatures, pressures, and chemical concentrations. There are special infrared laser systems called swept-wavelength external cavity quantum cascade tunable fiber lasers. They offer valuable and never-before-seen information about explosive fireballs.
This fiber laser device is versatile and includes such an advantage as a broad wavelength tuning range that enables it to measure numerous chemical substances as well as huge molecules in an explosive fireball. Researchers confirm that the capability of the laser system to measure and monitor the crucial changes during explosions will favor them to understand and even control the events.
The measurements by the laser system are performed with the help of rugged temperature or pressure probes placed inside an exploding fireball resulting in physical information. Nevertheless, the fiber laser device does not allow measuring chemical changes that may be created during the process of the explosion. Thus, it is possible to make a sampling of the donation end products by the tunable laser system. However, the data information will be presented only after the explosion is over.
The laser system is able to detect molecules in the fireball by controlling the way they interact with light, significantly in the infrared region. It should be mentioned that “these measurements are fast and can be taken a safe distance away”. Herewith, laser systems are essential for these purposes because fireballs are turbulent and contain highly absorbing substances.
The application of a new laser system device measures explosive occurrences at faster speeds, at higher resolutions, and for longer periods than it was possible before using infrared laser beam light. Therefore, now the swept-wavelength external cavity quantum cascade tunable fiber laser offers new measurements due to the combination of the best qualities provided by high-resolution tunable laser system spectroscopy and broadband fiber optic techniques such as FTIR.
The fiber laser system was tested on four types of high-energy explosives, all integrated into a specially developed chamber to contain the fireball. Herewith, a laser beam from the tunable fiber laser is directed through this chamber while quickly changing the laser beam light’s wavelength, then the light is recorded throughout each explosion to measure changes.
Finally, the detailed analysis of the information obtained by the laser system offers the required data about the temperature and concentrations of these substances throughout the explosive case. The tunable fiber laser opens a new way to study explosive detonations that could find other applications. Additionally, it is planned to extend the measurements due to the development of laser technology to more wavelengths, faster scan rates, and higher resolutions in the near future.
Optromix is a fast-growing fiber laser manufacturer and a vendor of optical fiber sensors and optical monitoring systems. The company offers fast turnkey solutions and creates sophisticated fiber laser systems for special purposes. Optromix uses only its technologies and develops a broad variety of fiber lasers. If you have any questions or would like to buy a laser system, please contact us at info@optromix.com