LASER BASED INITIATION SYSTEMS Sandia National Laboratories (Albuquerque, New Mexico) and Los Alamos National Laboratories (Los Alamos, New Mexico) have been developing a compact, laser based, optical initiation system for use in high consequence operating environments. Unlike traditional electrical systems where unwanted stimuli abound (i.e. static discharge, lightning, electrical equipment, etc), the optical initiation system requires a unique laser detonation stimulus not found in nature. In addition, optical detonators insensitive to electrical stimuli, a fiber optic transmission system, and "first principle" safety architectures provide electrical isolation and control of the intended laser stimulus. Successful implementation and subsequent acceptance of this technology requires demonstration of a compact electrical and optical package together with high operational reliability during and/or after significant mechanical, radiation, and lifetime storage environments. The technologies currently under development to support suchan effort include: characterization of radiation "hard" laser and optical materials, development of miniaturized solid-state lasers, high power fiber injection optics, fiber optic delivery systems, right angle turns, and shock initiated optical detonators. During the preceding year we have developed and packaged an optical initiation system that includes a passive Q-switched laser, diffractive splitter with a simple lens injection system, multiple optical fiber connector assemblies, and laser drive electronics within 60 cubic inches. Critical program technology areas required to improve miniaturization and operational reliability include: 1) development of new fiber injection systems that will reduce and/or mitigate peak fluences at the fiber entrance face and enhance spatial mode mixing in the optical fiber for a more uniform illumination at the exit plane, 2) development of right angle turns along or at the terminus of the fiber length to accommodate next assembly packaging, and 3) miniaturization and continued material development of main storage capacitors meeting temperature, radiation, pulse discharge, and storage lifetimes. It is anticipated that extension of the current and future technologies being developed for the optical initiation program may include: compact low power, multi-channel optical initiation systems for military and commercial applications, diffractive element design or design process for uniform target or surface illumination, advanced fiber injection systems insensitive to incident laser spatial characteristics for reliable delivery of higher laser power/energy levels, compact high power right angle turns compatible with optical fiber technology for sidewall illumination in restricted areas, and certification of passive or active optical components in extreme radiation environments. Sandia is making the optical initiation technology and material characterizations available to companies interested in partnering with Sandia to further develop the critical program areas addressed above and/or to develop near/term and/or future applications for specific technologies via licensing or cooperative development agreements. For further information, please respond by mail or fax to Joanne Trujillo no later than December 15, 1998 at: Sandia National Laboratories, MS 1380, P. O. Box 5800, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87185-1380. Fax: (505) 843-4175. Please indicate the date and title of this CBD notice and the type of partnering agreements your company would be most interested in entering into. E-MAIL: Joanne Trujillo, jmtruji@sandia.gov. Posted 11/12/98 (W-SN270934).

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