6.1 Test Environments

This section provides users with information on DLI technology, expected results, and test limitations. Previous experiments have shown that with the addition of an optically clear “tamping” layer on the front of the test object, appropriate laser irradiation parameters (intensity, pulse-shape, and pulse width) induce stress (shock) waves and impulse in test materials comparable to intense x-ray pulse absorption found in nuclear environments. The basic laser interaction phenomenology is shown in Figure 5, which illustrates how the thin transparent layer acts as an inertial “tamper” for the laser interaction and enables efficient laser energy coupling to the test material. Additional information related to targets and target mounting is provided in Section 4.3 and Section 7.1.

Schematic of laser interaction with optically clear tamper on the test material
Figure 5. Schematic of laser interaction with optically clear tamper on the test material.