Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
1688653 | Vacuum | 2013 | 4 Pages |
Abstract
The micro-Newton thrust generation was observed through low-power continuous wave laser and aluminum foil interaction without any remarkable ablation of the target surface. To evaluate the thrust characteristics, a torsion balance thrust stand capable for the measurement of the thrust level down to micro-Newton ranges was developed. In the case of an aluminum foil target with 12.5 micrometer thickness, the maximum thrust level was 15 micro-Newtons when the laser power was 20 W, or about 0.75 μN/W. It was also found that the laser intensity, or laser power per unit area, irradiated on the target was significantly important on the control of the thrust even under the low-intensity level.
Keywords
Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering
Materials Science
Surfaces, Coatings and Films
Authors
Hideyuki Horisawa, Sota Sumida, Hitoshi Yonamine, Ikkoh Funaki,