ENERGETICALLY BRANCHED-CHAIN MECHANISM OF LOW-THRESHOLD INITIATION OFLEAD AZIDE BY A LASER-PULSE

A reaction mechanism with energetically branched chains is proposed fo r low-threshold initiation of lead azide by a neodymium laser. The mec hanism is subjected to comprehensive analysis. Criteria for lead azide initiation by ''long'' and ''short'' laser pulses are formulated, and an expression for the initiation delay is derived. The initiation del ay depends on the characteristic time within which traps are filled by holes. Cross section for photoionization of the surface levels of azi de anion is estimated.