Multi-layered flyer accelerated by laser induced shock waves

Multi-layered flyer (aluminum-polyimide-tantalum) is designed as a high spe ed flyer making use of shock impedance matching and reverberation technique s. The designed three layered targets have been irradiated using a 20 J las er beam. Flyer velocities are measured by observing the flyer impact emissi ons on glass step targets within a 500 mu m laser focal spot at laser inten sities 5 x 10(12)-2 x 10(13) W/cm(2). Thin (0.5-1.0 mu m) Ta layers of the flyers are accelerated via shock reverberations between the thick polyimide and thin Ta layers for the first time using laser induced shock waves. The ir velocities are measured to be more than 13 km/s with a good hydrodynamic stability. The obtained velocity is faster than the ones obtained by a con ventional flyer method such as a double gas gun. (C) 2000 American Institut e of Physics. [S1070-664X(00)00602-9].