EP0292383A1 - Photopyrotechnic priming device, and photopyrotechnic chain using such a device - Google Patents

Photopyrotechnic priming device, and photopyrotechnic chain using such a device Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0292383A1
EP0292383A1 EP88401203A EP88401203A EP0292383A1 EP 0292383 A1 EP0292383 A1 EP 0292383A1 EP 88401203 A EP88401203 A EP 88401203A EP 88401203 A EP88401203 A EP 88401203A EP 0292383 A1 EP0292383 A1 EP 0292383A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
lens
transparent barrier
face
barrier
energy beam
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Granted
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EP88401203A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0292383B1 (en
Inventor
Claude Carel
Alain Josse
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Airbus Group SAS
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Airbus Group SAS
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Priority to AT88401203T priority Critical patent/ATE80453T1/en
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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F42—AMMUNITION; BLASTING
    • F42B—EXPLOSIVE CHARGES, e.g. FOR BLASTING, FIREWORKS, AMMUNITION
    • F42B3/00—Blasting cartridges, i.e. case and explosive
    • F42B3/10—Initiators therefor
    • F42B3/113—Initiators therefor activated by optical means, e.g. laser, flashlight

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the field of initiation of pyrotechnic substances by light beams produced by laser and transported by fibers or optical cables.
  • pyrotechnic substances primary explosives (such as azides, fulminates, tetrazene, etc.) secondary explosives (such as: PETN, RDX, HNS, etc. ..) and pyrotechnic compositions such as ignition compositions, illuminating, tracing compositions, smoke bombs, etc.
  • the different elements used form what is called a photopyrotechnical functional chain. This chain generally consists of three elements: - a laser as an energy source, - a fiber or an optical cable to transport energy, and - a detonator primer or a pyrotechnic igniter.
  • the laser source it is preferably possible to use a triggered pulsed laser.
  • a triggered pulsed laser is described in the article by MM. C. CAREL and A.P. JOSSE of Aerospace and MM. M. MORISSON, P. BALDY and J. REFOUVELET from the Tarbes Construction Workshops entitled “Initiation of Explosives by Laser” (communication made at the "international symposium on fundamental and applied pyrotechnics: substances and systems” held on 5 on October 7, 1982 in Arcachon (France)).
  • a photopyrotechnic detonator primer is a device charged with primary or secondary explosives which can be initiated under the action of an energy beam such as a laser beam and make it possible to obtain a shock wave. sufficient to initiate another pyrotechnic component charged with explosive.
  • pyrotechnic igniters these are devices containing a pyrotechnic substance capable of igniting when it receives a calorific contribution, for example in the form of a laser beam, this flame possibly causing the ignition of another composition. pyrotechnic.
  • the object of the present invention is to remedy these drawbacks by proposing a photopyrotechnic initiation device in which the pyrotechnic initiation substance is protected from external aggressions before, during operation, and for which the initiation energy source cannot be damaged by pressurized gas returns during and after the explosion ( ⁇ 400 Kbars).
  • the subject of the invention is a photopyrotechnic device comprising a body having, in known manner: - a cavity to house a pyrotechnic charge, - an input for an energy beam of given wavelength used to initiate this charge, and - a passage for the energy beam between said entrance and cavity.
  • this device also comprises: a transparent barrier placed in the passage on the path of the beam, this barrier resistant to the mechanical effects generated during the operation of the load and being made of a material transparent to the wavelength of this beam, and - sealing means between this barrier and the body of the device.
  • the transparent barrier is made of sapphire.
  • a transparent barrier made of a material transparent to the wavelength of the beam used and of sealing means between this barrier and the body of the device makes it possible to protect the pyrotechnic charge from external aggressions while allowing passage the beam used to initiate this charge.
  • this barrier allows it to resist the mechanical effects generated during the operation of the load, it remains intact after it has been ignited and any gas leaks are avoided through the passage for the laser beam.
  • the device may further comprise a thin cover placed between the transparent barrier and the pyrotechnic charge, this cover having a face in contact with the pyrotechnic charge.
  • this seal is especially useful in the case where the pyrotechnic charge is a substance which can explode under the action of a shock wave. It is used when the device includes means for focusing the laser beam. As will be seen below, the latter are arranged so as to focus the beam on this operculum or to obtain thereon the image of the exit face of the optical fiber: thus creating in the mass of the operculum a concentration of energy capable of creating a shock wave. This shock wave is transmitted to the pyrotechnic substance which then explodes.
  • sealing means are also provided between the body of the device and this support.
  • the latter can be a device containing the main explosive charge which must be initiated by the photopyrotechnic device.
  • the main load is itself protected from external aggressions.
  • the transparent barrier having a first face on the side of the entry and a second face on the side of the pyrotechnic charge, its location and the shape of its two faces are determined so as to focus in a point given a parallel energy beam having said given wavelength and penetrating into this transparent barrier by its first face.
  • connection system is used between the optical fiber transporting the laser beam and the photopyrotechnic initiation device, this connection system having a lens transforming the beam leaving the fiber in parallel beam.
  • This arrangement has the advantage of making it easier to adjust the position of the optical system for focusing the laser beam. Indeed, the latter being parallel during its journey between the two lenses, it can be focused by the assembly constituted by the second lens and the transparent barrier regardless of the distance between the two lenses. The mounting of the lenses is therefore facilitated since a positioning error causing a variation in the distance between the two lenses does not modify the position of the focal point of the beam.
  • the first lens can be mounted on an independent optical connector and the second on the body of the device.
  • the two lenses can be mounted on an independent optical connector or be permanently mounted on the body of the device. It is also possible to remove the second lens and cut one or both sides of the transparent barrier so as to focus the parallel beam leaving the first lens at a given point. In this case, it is the transparent barrier or the first face thereof which plays the role of second lens. In all cases, making the beam parallel over part of its path makes it easier to mount and adjust the position of the optical system since the distance between the two lenses can be arbitrary.
  • the invention also relates to a photopyrotechnical functional chain comprising, in a known manner: - a laser source emitting a beam of given wavelength, - a photopyrotechnic initiation device, and - an optical cable transporting the beam from the laser source to the ignition device.
  • the initiating device conforms to what is described above and the laser source is preferably constituted by a pulsed pulsed laser.
  • the expression "optical cable” it designates either an optical fiber alone, or a set of optical fibers.
  • FIG. 1 schematically represents a photopyrotechnical functional chain comprising a laser source 10 and an optical fiber 12 transmitting the beam produced by the laser to a photopyrotechnic initiation device 14.
  • a photopyrotechnic initiation device 14 This can be placed on a support 16 shown schematically in phantom in FIG. 1.
  • the latter can be, for example, the wall of a container or of an apparatus containing the main charge which must be initiated by the device 14.
  • Figure 2 It appears better on the sectional view of Figure 2 where we see that it consists first of a body 18 fixed on the support 16 by any suitable means, for example by screwing.
  • the body 18 has, at one of its ends, a cavity 20 for housing a pyrotechnic charge.
  • this charge consists of an initiating charge 22 in contact with a reinforcing charge 24.
  • the cavity 20 can in contact with a reinforcing load 24.
  • the cavity 20 can be formed inside a load carrier constituted by a spacer 26 held against a shoulder provided inside the body 18 by a cap 28.
  • the latter is fixed on the body 18 by any known means, for example by screwing as illustrated in Figure 2, the seal being provided by a seal 30.
  • other methods of attachment for example by laser welding.
  • the cap 28 has a thinned part or cover 32 which is destroyed during the explosion of the charge 24.
  • the charge 22 When the charge 22 is ignited under the effect of the laser beam emitted by the source 10, it is the seat of a shock wave. This wave propagates through the load 22, then through the load 24 where it is reinforced. The explosion of the charge 24 leads to the destruction of the cover 32 and the shock wave can thus ignite the main charge 34 contained inside the support 16 (the latter is shown diagrammatically in phantom on the figure 2).
  • the body 18 of the device which is the subject of the invention also has a passage 36 allowing the laser beam 38 to penetrate inside the device.
  • a transparent barrier 40 is mounted inside the passage 38, upstream of the cavity 20 relative to the direction of propagation of the beam. It should be noted that, in the example shown here, all the elements of the device have a symmetry of revolution about a common axis.
  • the transparent barrier 40 has the shape of a truncated cone widening in the direction of the cavity 20 and limited at its two ends by planar circular faces perpendicular to the axis of symmetry of the device. It is housed in a part of the passage 40 having the same shape, the seal between the barrier 40 and the body 18 being provided by sealing means 42, for example an O-ring in rubber. As for the seal between the body 18 and the support 16, it can be ensured by an O-ring 46 or any other equivalent device. This particular embodiment ensures perfect sealing for the return of pressurized gas during the explosion ( ⁇ 400 Kbars).
  • Sapphire which is a particular aluminum oxide crystal (Al2O3), is well suited for this use because it has a very high Young's modulus (3.7.105 MPa). In addition, its softening point is at 1800 ° C, which gives it good temperature resistance (for comparison, it can be noted that B1664 glass has a processing temperature of 559 ° C).
  • this cover 44 is in the form of a thin coating deposited on the rear face of the barrier 40.
  • the thickness of this coating is between a few hundred and a few thousand Angstroms and its constituent material can be a metal such as, for example, aluminum, gold, silver, niobium or indium.
  • another material for example an organic material
  • the coating being for example deposited on the initiating charge 22.
  • This seal finds its usefulness when using a secondary explosive as the initiating charge. Indeed, to initiate such an explosive, you need a powerful shock wave. This can be obtained by the breakdown of a thin metallic layer and the breakdown of the cover 44 can be obtained by focusing the beam 38 on the cover 44.
  • the device illustrated in Figure 2 further comprises means for focusing the laser beam.
  • the latter essentially consist of an optical connector in the form of a hollow box which can be slipped over the end of the body 18 opposite the cavity 20.
  • the optical fiber 12 transmitting the beam of the laser 10 to the device 14 passes through a wall of the connector 48 and its end is inside the latter.
  • the laser beam leaving the fiber 12 passes through a first lens 50 mounted inside the connector 48. This can be held on a shoulder or a support using a spacer 52 screwed inside the connector 48.
  • the shape of the lens 50 is determined so that the beam 38, which is divergent when it leaves the fiber 12, is parallel after passing through the lens 50, its optical axis being coincident with the axis of revolution of the device 14.
  • a second lens 54 is mounted inside the body 18, in the passage 36, and it is located between the first lens and the transparent barrier 14. Just like the lens 50, the lens 54 can be held in a housing or a support using a spacer 56.
  • the beam 38 is parallel when it leaves the first lens 50 and it is always parallel when it arrives on the second lens 54.
  • the latter is a converging lens, this which causes the beam 38 to converge along its path between the lens 54 and the transparent barrier 40. When it approaches the latter, it is still refracted, but remains convergent, and comes to strike the cover 44.
  • the shape and the location of the lens 54 and of the barrier 40 are determined so that the parallel beam entering the lens 54 is focused so as to obtain the image of the exit of the fiber on the cover 44.
  • the concentration of the beam at this location causes the optical breakdown of the cover 44. This results in the creation of a shock wave inside the initiating charge 22, causing the device to operate.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a device similar to that of FIG. 2, but in which the lens 54 is removed while the front face 41 of the barrier 40 is of convex shape, when it is seen from the entrance of the device. So the face front of the barrier 40 behaves like a planconvex lens converging the parallel beam from the first lens 50.
  • the shape of the face 41 and the length of the barrier 40 are determined, as a function of the length of beam wave, so that it is focused at a given point, for example to obtain the image of the exit face of the fiber 12 on the cover 44. It is therefore the front face 41 of the barrier 40 which constitutes the second lens of the device.
  • the device which is the subject of the invention has particularly advantageous advantages, the main one of which is good confinement of the pyrotechnic charge before operation and of the products of the detonation after operation. This is obtained by the presence of the transparent barrier 40 which is tightly fixed inside the body 18, and is made of a material resistant to the effects of detonation.
  • the mounting, adjustment and positioning operations are facilitated by the use of an optical system which makes the laser beam 38 parallel over part of its path. The distance between the two lenses no longer needs to be determined with precision since, even if this distance varies, the beam remains parallel when it arrives on the second lens. However, care must be taken to center the various elements, which is relatively easy insofar as the components of the device have a symmetry of revolution.
  • the invention is not limited to the single embodiment which has just been described, but that one can imagine many variants without departing from the scope of the invention.
  • the cover 44 or replace the initiating charge 22 with a substance which ignites under the effect of the energy provided by the laser beam, this flame causing the explosion of another pyrotechnic substance.
  • the entry and exit faces of the transparent barrier 40 are planar and perpendicular to the axis of symmetry of the device.
  • the barrier 40 has the shape of a truncated cone widening towards the load 23, as in the case of FIG. 2, while, in the case of FIG. 4b, it is narrows in the direction of the load 23.
  • the barrier 40 is in the form of a cylindrical bar of constant diameter.
  • FIGS. 5a to 5c illustrate the case where the front face 41 of the barrier 40 is of convex shape and cut so as to focus a parallel beam arriving on this face 41 at a given point of the device.
  • the barrier 40 has the shape of a truncated cone widening towards the load 23 while, in the case of FIG. 5b, it narrows in the direction of this load.
  • the barrier 40 has the shape of a cylinder, as in FIG. 4c.
  • FIGS 6 and 7 illustrate variants in which the device of the invention is associated with an optical system.
  • FIGS. 6a to 6c relate to embodiments in which the two inlet and outlet faces of the barrier 40 are planar and perpendicular to the axis of symmetry of the device, the barrier 40 being in the form of a truncated cone widening towards the load 23.
  • the two lenses 50 and 54 are mounted in a connector 48 independent of the body 18 of the device.
  • FIG. 6b corresponds to what is illustrated in FIG. 2, the first lens 50 being mounted on the connector 48 and the second lens 54 on the body 18.
  • the two lenses are mounted on body 18 and there is no connector removable.
  • Figures 7a and 7b relate to the case where the front face 41 of the barrier 40 is convex so as to constitute the second lens.
  • the first lens 50 is mounted on an independent connector 48, while, in the case of FIG. 7b, the first lens 50 is permanently mounted on the body 18.
  • the transparent barrier 40 is always in the form of a truncated cone widening towards the pyrotechnic charge 23.
  • FIG. 8 represents a preferred embodiment of a laser which can be used in the invention.
  • the laser 10 comprises an amplifier bar 62, a straight flash tube 64, two mirrors 66 and 68, a trigger 70 (with dye or Pockels cell) and electronics 72.
  • the bar 62 is composed of a neodymium-doped glass working at a wavelength 1.06 ⁇ m corresponding to an optical window of the optical fiber 12.
  • the operation in triggered mode is ensured by the interposition between the two mirrors.
  • the optical cavity of the saturable absorbent 70 (triggering of the passive type) or of a Pockels cell (triggering of the active type).
  • the laser pulse approximately Gaussian in shape, has a pulse duration of the order of 10 ns half height.
  • the optical energy is of the order of 75 mJ with a saturable absorbent as a trigger system and of the order of 150 mJ with a Pockels cell.

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Abstract

A photopyrotechnical detonating device and a photopyrotechnical chain using this device are disclosed. A pyrotechnical charge, which can be actuated by a laser beam, is placed in a solid body. The beam is conveyed by an optical fiber which penetrates a connector mounted on the body. The beam, which is divergent when it leaves the fiber, is made parallel by a first lens. A second lens, mounted on the body, makes the beam converge and works with a transparent barrier to focus the beam on a given point. Tight-sealilng means are provided between the transparent barrier and the body of the device, thus ensuring the containment of the charge. The transparent barrier is shaped like a truncated cone which maintains its integrity within a tapered cylinder after firing of the actuating and boosting charges. The tightness of the transparent barrier within the tapered cylinder is enhanced by the sealing means and prevents fragments from entering the detonating device after firing of the charges.

Description

La présente invention se rapporte au domaine de l'initiation de substances pyrotechniques par faisceaux lumineux produits par laser et transportés par des fibres ou des câbles optiques.The present invention relates to the field of initiation of pyrotechnic substances by light beams produced by laser and transported by fibers or optical cables.

On rappelle que, par l'expression "substances pyrotechniques", on entend les explosifs primaires (tels que les azotures, les fulminates, le tétrazène, etc...) les explosifs secondaires (tels que : PETN, RDX, HNS, etc...) et les compositions pyrotechniques comme les compositions d'allumage, les compositions éclairantes, traçantes, fumigènes, etc. Les différents éléments mis en oeuvre forment ce que l'on appelle une chaîne fonctionnelle photopyrotechnique. Cette chaîne se compose généralement de trois éléments :
    - un laser comme source d'énergie,
    - une fibre ou un câble optique pour transporter l'énergie, et
    - une amorce détonateur ou un inflammateur pyrotechnique.It will be recalled that by the expression "pyrotechnic substances" is meant primary explosives (such as azides, fulminates, tetrazene, etc.) secondary explosives (such as: PETN, RDX, HNS, etc. ..) and pyrotechnic compositions such as ignition compositions, illuminating, tracing compositions, smoke bombs, etc. The different elements used form what is called a photopyrotechnical functional chain. This chain generally consists of three elements:
- a laser as an energy source,
- a fiber or an optical cable to transport energy, and
- a detonator primer or a pyrotechnic igniter.

Comme source laser, on peut utiliser de préférence un laser pulsé déclenché. Un tel laser est décrit dans l'article de MM. C. CAREL et A.P. JOSSE de l'Aérospatiale et MM. M. MORISSON, P. BALDY et J. REFOUVELET des Ateliers de Construction de Tarbes intitulé " Initiation d'Explosifs par Laser" (communication faite au "colloque international de pyrotechnie fondamentale et appliquée : substances et systèmes" qui s'est tenu du 5 au 7 octobre 1982 à Arcachon (France)).As the laser source, it is preferably possible to use a triggered pulsed laser. Such a laser is described in the article by MM. C. CAREL and A.P. JOSSE of Aerospace and MM. M. MORISSON, P. BALDY and J. REFOUVELET from the Tarbes Construction Workshops entitled "Initiation of Explosives by Laser" (communication made at the "international symposium on fundamental and applied pyrotechnics: substances and systems" held on 5 on October 7, 1982 in Arcachon (France)).

Une amorce détonateur photopyrotechnique est un dispositif chargé d'explosifs primaires ou secondaires qui peuvent être initiés sous l'action d'un faisceau énergétique tel qu'un faisceau laser et permettent d'obtenir une onde de choc suffisante pour initier un autre composant pyrotechnique chargé d'explosif. Quant aux inflammateurs pyrotechniques, ce sont des dispositifs contenant une substance pyrotechnique capable de s'enflammer lorsqu'elle reçoit un apport calorifique, par exemple sous la forme d'un faisceau laser, cette flamme pouvant entraîner la mise à feu d'une autre composition pyrotechnique.A photopyrotechnic detonator primer is a device charged with primary or secondary explosives which can be initiated under the action of an energy beam such as a laser beam and make it possible to obtain a shock wave. sufficient to initiate another pyrotechnic component charged with explosive. As for pyrotechnic igniters, these are devices containing a pyrotechnic substance capable of igniting when it receives a calorific contribution, for example in the form of a laser beam, this flame possibly causing the ignition of another composition. pyrotechnic.

Le document US-A-4 391 195 décrit un système d'initiation d'explosifs avec une source laser et des fibres optiques pour transporter l'énergie depuis le laser jusqu'à des dispositifs d'amorçage photopyrotechniques. Dans ce document, l'extrémité de la fibre optique opposée au laser est en contact direct avec une substance capable de s'enflammer, l'énergie de la flamme servant à amorcer des charges d'explosifs. Cependant, dans la plupart des dispositifs d'amorçage photopyrotechniques actuels, ceux-ci présentent une mauvaise étanchéité vis-à-vis de l'extérieur, ce qui a deux inconvénients : tout d'abord, la substance pyrotechnique d'amorçage est mal protégée des influences extérieures (humidité ou atmosphères plus ou moins corrosives), ce qui peut nuire à son fonctionnement. D'autre part, lors de la mise à feu de la charge, on risque d'avoir des pertes de rendement à cause des fuites du gaz dégagé lors de la détonation ainsi que des risques de pollution des équipements environnants.Document US-A-4 391 195 describes an explosive initiation system with a laser source and optical fibers for transporting energy from the laser to photopyrotechnic initiation devices. In this document, the end of the optical fiber opposite the laser is in direct contact with a substance capable of igniting, the energy of the flame being used to ignite charges of explosives. However, in most of the current photopyrotechnical initiation devices, these have a poor seal vis-à-vis the outside, which has two drawbacks: first, the initiating pyrotechnic substance is poorly protected external influences (humidity or more or less corrosive atmospheres), which can affect its functioning. On the other hand, when the charge is ignited, there is a risk of yield losses due to the leakage of the gas released during the detonation as well as the risks of pollution of the surrounding equipment.

La présente invention a pour but de remédier à ces inconvénients en proposant un dispositif d'amorçage photopyrotechnique dans lequel la substance pyrotechnique d'amorçage est protégée des agressions extérieures avant, pendant le fonctionnement, et pour lequel la source énergétique d'initiation ne peut pas être endommagée par des retours de gaz sous pression pendant et après l'explosion (≦ 400 Kbars).The object of the present invention is to remedy these drawbacks by proposing a photopyrotechnic initiation device in which the pyrotechnic initiation substance is protected from external aggressions before, during operation, and for which the initiation energy source cannot be damaged by pressurized gas returns during and after the explosion (≦ 400 Kbars).

Plus précisément, l'invention a pour objet un dispositif photopyrotechnique comprenant un corps présentant, de manière connue :
    - une cavité pour loger une charge pyrotechnique,
    - une entrée pour un faisceau énergétique de longueur d'onde donnée servant à initier cette charge, et
    - un passage pour le faisceau énergétique entre ladite entrée et la cavité.More specifically, the subject of the invention is a photopyrotechnic device comprising a body having, in known manner:
- a cavity to house a pyrotechnic charge,
- an input for an energy beam of given wavelength used to initiate this charge, and
- a passage for the energy beam between said entrance and cavity.

Selon l'invention, ce dispositif comporte en outre :
    - une barrière transparente placée dans le passage sur le trajet du faisceau, cette barrière résistant aux effets mécaniques engendrés lors du fonctionnement de la charge et étant réalisée en un matériau transparent à la longueur d'onde de ce faisceau, et
    - des moyens d'étanchéité entre cette barrière et le corps du dispositif.According to the invention, this device also comprises:
a transparent barrier placed in the passage on the path of the beam, this barrier resistant to the mechanical effects generated during the operation of the load and being made of a material transparent to the wavelength of this beam, and
- sealing means between this barrier and the body of the device.

De préférence, la barrière transparente est en saphir.Preferably, the transparent barrier is made of sapphire.

Ainsi, la présence d'une barrière transparente réalisée en un matériau transparent à la longueur d'onde du faisceau utilisé et des moyens d'étanchéité entre cette barrière et le corps du dispositif permet de protéger la charge pyrotechnique des agressions extérieures tout en laissant passer le faisceau utilisé pour amorcer cette charge. De plus, comme la constitution de cette barrière lui permet de résister aux effets mécaniques engendrés lors du fonctionnement de la charge, elle reste intacte après la mise à feu de celle-ci et on évite d'éventuelles fuites de gaz à travers le passage ménagé pour le faisceau laser.Thus, the presence of a transparent barrier made of a material transparent to the wavelength of the beam used and of sealing means between this barrier and the body of the device makes it possible to protect the pyrotechnic charge from external aggressions while allowing passage the beam used to initiate this charge. In addition, as the constitution of this barrier allows it to resist the mechanical effects generated during the operation of the load, it remains intact after it has been ignited and any gas leaks are avoided through the passage for the laser beam.

Eventuellement, le dispositif peut comporter en outre un opercule mince placé entre la barrière transparente et la charge pyrotechnique, cet opercule ayant une face en contact avec la charge pyrotechnique.Optionally, the device may further comprise a thin cover placed between the transparent barrier and the pyrotechnic charge, this cover having a face in contact with the pyrotechnic charge.

La présence de cet opercule est surtout utile dans le cas où la charge pyrotechnique est une substance pouvant exploser sous l'action d'une onde de choc. Il est utilisé lorsque le dispositif comporte des moyens de focalisation du faisceau laser. Comme on le verra plus loin, ces derniers sont agencés de manière à focaliser le faisceau sur cet opercule ou à obtenir sur celui-­ci l'image de la face de sortie de la fibre optique : on crée ainsi dans la masse de l'opercule une concentration d'énergie apte à créer une onde de choc. Cette onde de choc est transmise à la substance pyrotechnique qui explose alors.The presence of this seal is especially useful in the case where the pyrotechnic charge is a substance which can explode under the action of a shock wave. It is used when the device includes means for focusing the laser beam. As will be seen below, the latter are arranged so as to focus the beam on this operculum or to obtain thereon the image of the exit face of the optical fiber: thus creating in the mass of the operculum a concentration of energy capable of creating a shock wave. This shock wave is transmitted to the pyrotechnic substance which then explodes.

Selon un autre aspect de l'invention, lorsque le corps du dispositif photopyrotechnique est monté sur un support, on prévoit en outre des moyens d'étanchéité entre le corps du dispositif et ce support.According to another aspect of the invention, when the body of the photopyrotechnical device is mounted on a support, sealing means are also provided between the body of the device and this support.

Ce dernier peut être un appareil contenant la charge d'explosif principale qui doit être amorcée par le dispositif photopyrotechnique. Ainsi, la charge principale est elle-même protégée des agressions extérieures.The latter can be a device containing the main explosive charge which must be initiated by the photopyrotechnic device. Thus, the main load is itself protected from external aggressions.

Selon un autre aspect de l'invention, la barrière transparente ayant une première face du côté de l'entrée et une deuxième face du côté de la charge pyrotechnique, son emplacement et la forme de ses deux faces sont déterminés de manière à focaliser en un point donné un faisceau énergétique parallèle ayant ladite longueur d'onde donnée et pénétrant dans cette barrière transparente par sa première face.According to another aspect of the invention, the transparent barrier having a first face on the side of the entry and a second face on the side of the pyrotechnic charge, its location and the shape of its two faces are determined so as to focus in a point given a parallel energy beam having said given wavelength and penetrating into this transparent barrier by its first face.

Cette disposition est particulièrement avantageuse lorsque, comme on le verra plus loin, on utilise un système de connexion optique entre la fibre optique transportant le faisceau laser et le dispositif d'initiation photopyrotechnique, ce système de connexion ayant une lentille transformant le faisceau sortant de la fibre en faisceau parallèle.This arrangement is particularly advantageous when, as will be seen below, an optical connection system is used between the optical fiber transporting the laser beam and the photopyrotechnic initiation device, this connection system having a lens transforming the beam leaving the fiber in parallel beam.

Le dispositif objet de l'invention peut être équipé de moyens de focalisation du faisceau laser. De préférence, ceux-ci comprennent :

  • - une première lentille taillée de manière à rendre parallèle le faisceau énergétique arrivant dans le dispositif, et
  • - une deuxième lentille placée entre la première lentille et la barrière transparente de sorte que le faisceau énergétique traverse successivement la première lentille, la deuxième lentille et la barrière transparente, la position et la forme de la deuxième lentille et de la barrière transparente étant déterminées pour que le faisceau énergétique parallèle sortant de la première lentille soit focalisé en un point donné.
The device which is the subject of the invention can be equipped with means for focusing the laser beam. Preferably, these include:
  • a first lens cut so as to make the energy beam arriving in the device parallel, and
  • a second lens placed between the first lens and the transparent barrier so that the energy beam passes successively through the first lens, the second lens and the transparent barrier, the position and shape of the second lens and of the transparent barrier being determined for that the parallel energy beam leaving the first lens be focused at a given point.

Cette disposition a l'avantage de faciliter le réglage en position du système optique de focalisation du faisceau laser. En effet, celui-ci étant parallèle au cours de son trajet entre les deux lentilles, il peut être focalisé par l'ensemble constitué par la deuxième lentille et la barrière transparente quelle que soit la distance entre les deux lentilles. Le montage des lentilles s'en trouve donc facilité puisqu'une erreur de positionnement entraînant une variation de la distance entre les deux lentilles ne modifie pas la position du point de focalisation du faisceau.This arrangement has the advantage of making it easier to adjust the position of the optical system for focusing the laser beam. Indeed, the latter being parallel during its journey between the two lenses, it can be focused by the assembly constituted by the second lens and the transparent barrier regardless of the distance between the two lenses. The mounting of the lenses is therefore facilitated since a positioning error causing a variation in the distance between the two lenses does not modify the position of the focal point of the beam.

La première lentille peut être montée sur un connecteur optique indépendant et la deuxième sur le corps du dispositif. Eventuellement, les deux lentilles peuvent être montées sur un connecteur optique indépendant ou être montées à demeure sur le corps du dispositif. On peut encore supprimer la deuxième lentille et tailler une ou les deux faces de la barrière transparente de manière à focaliser le faisceau parallèle sortant de la première lentille en un point donné. Dans ce cas, c'est la barrière transparente ou la première face de celle-ci qui joue le rôle de deuxième lentille. Dans tous les cas, le fait de rendre le faisceau parallèle sur une partie de son parcours facilite le montage et le réglage en position du système optique puisque la distance entre les deux lentilles peut être quelconque.The first lens can be mounted on an independent optical connector and the second on the body of the device. Optionally, the two lenses can be mounted on an independent optical connector or be permanently mounted on the body of the device. It is also possible to remove the second lens and cut one or both sides of the transparent barrier so as to focus the parallel beam leaving the first lens at a given point. In this case, it is the transparent barrier or the first face thereof which plays the role of second lens. In all cases, making the beam parallel over part of its path makes it easier to mount and adjust the position of the optical system since the distance between the two lenses can be arbitrary.

Enfin, l'invention a encore pour objet une chaîne fonctionnelle photopyrotechnique comprenant, de manière connue :
    - une source laser émettant un faisceau de longueur d'onde donnée,
    - un dispositif d'amorçage photopyrotechnique, et
    - un câble optique transportant le faisceau de la source laser au dispositif d'amorçage.Finally, the invention also relates to a photopyrotechnical functional chain comprising, in a known manner:
- a laser source emitting a beam of given wavelength,
- a photopyrotechnic initiation device, and
- an optical cable transporting the beam from the laser source to the ignition device.

Selon l'invention, le dispositif d'amorçage est conforme à ce qui est décrit ci-dessus et la source laser est de préférence constituée par un laser pulsé déclenché. Quant à l'expression "câble optique", elle désigne soit une fibre optique seule, soit un ensemble de fibres optiques.According to the invention, the initiating device conforms to what is described above and the laser source is preferably constituted by a pulsed pulsed laser. As for the expression "optical cable", it designates either an optical fiber alone, or a set of optical fibers.

L'invention apparaîtra mieux à la lecture de la description qui va suivre, donnée à titre d'exemple purement illustratif et nullement limitatif, en référence aux dessins annexés dans lesquels :

  • - la figure 1 est un schéma de principe illustrant l'allure générale d'un système d'amorçage photopyrotechnique,
  • - la figure 2 est une vue schématique en coupe d'un mode de réalisation du dispositif d'amorçage photopyrotechnique objet de l'invention,
  • - la figure 3 est une vue semblable à la figure 2 montrant, à plus petite échelle, un autre mode de réalisation du dispositif objet de l'invention,
  • - les figures 4a à 4c et 5a à 5c sont des vues schématiques montrant divers modes de réalisation possibles du dispositif objet de l'invention lorsqu'il n'y a pas de système optique associé,
  • - les figures 6a à 6c, 7a et 7b sont des vues schématiques de divers modes de réalisation possibles du dispositif objet de l'invention avec un système optique associé, et
  • - la figure 8 est une vue schématique en coupe d'un laser utilisable dans une chaîne fonctionnelle photopyrotechnique selon l'invention.
The invention will appear better on reading the description which follows, given by way of purely illustrative and in no way limiting, with reference to the drawings annexed in which:
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the general appearance of a photopyrotechnic initiation system,
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view of an embodiment of the photopyrotechnical initiation device which is the subject of the invention,
  • FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 showing, on a smaller scale, another embodiment of the device which is the subject of the invention,
  • FIGS. 4a to 4c and 5a to 5c are schematic views showing various possible embodiments of the device which is the subject of the invention when there is no associated optical system,
  • FIGS. 6a to 6c, 7a and 7b are schematic views of various possible embodiments of the device which is the subject of the invention with an associated optical system, and
  • - Figure 8 is a schematic sectional view of a laser usable in a photopyrotechnical functional chain according to the invention.

La figure 1 représente schématiquement une chaîne fonctionnelle photopyrotechnique comprenant une source laser 10 et une fibre optique 12 transmettant le faisceau produit par le laser à un dispositif d'amorçage photopyrotechnique 14. Celui-ci peut être placé sur un support 16 représenté schématiquement en traits mixtes sur la figure 1. Ce dernier peut être, par exemple, la paroi d'un conteneur ou d'un appareil contenant la charge principale qui doit être initiée par le dispositif 14.FIG. 1 schematically represents a photopyrotechnical functional chain comprising a laser source 10 and an optical fiber 12 transmitting the beam produced by the laser to a photopyrotechnic initiation device 14. This can be placed on a support 16 shown schematically in phantom in FIG. 1. The latter can be, for example, the wall of a container or of an apparatus containing the main charge which must be initiated by the device 14.

Celui-ci apparaît mieux sur la vue en coupe de la figure 2 où l'on voit qu'il se compose d'abord d'un corps 18 fixé sur le support 16 par tout moyen approprié, par exemple par vissage. Le corps 18 présente, à l'une de ses extrémités, une cavité 20 pour loger une charge pyrotechnique. Dans l'exemple illustré ici, cette charge se compose d'une charge initiatrice 22 en contact avec une charge renforçatrice 24. La cavité 20 peut en contact avec une charge renforçatrice 24. La cavité 20 peut être ménagée à l'intérieur d'un porte-charge constitué par une entretoise 26 maintenue contre un épaulement prévu à l'intérieur du corps 18 par un capuchon 28. Ce dernier est fixé sur le corps 18 par tout moyen connu, par exemple par vissage comme cela est illustré sur la figure 2, l'étanchéité étant assurée par un joint 30. Cependant, on peut envisager d'autres modes de fixation, par exemple par soudure laser.It appears better on the sectional view of Figure 2 where we see that it consists first of a body 18 fixed on the support 16 by any suitable means, for example by screwing. The body 18 has, at one of its ends, a cavity 20 for housing a pyrotechnic charge. In the example illustrated here, this charge consists of an initiating charge 22 in contact with a reinforcing charge 24. The cavity 20 can in contact with a reinforcing load 24. The cavity 20 can be formed inside a load carrier constituted by a spacer 26 held against a shoulder provided inside the body 18 by a cap 28. The latter is fixed on the body 18 by any known means, for example by screwing as illustrated in Figure 2, the seal being provided by a seal 30. However, one can consider other methods of attachment, for example by laser welding.

Le capuchon 28 présente une partie amincie ou opercule 32 qui est détruit lors de l'explosion de la charge 24. Lorsque la charge 22 est mise à feu sous l'effet du faisceau laser émis par la source 10, elle est le siège d'une onde de choc. Cette onde se propage à travers la charge 22, puis à travers la charge 24 où elle est renforcée. L'explosion de la charge 24 entraîne la destruction de l'opercule 32 et l'onde de choc peut ainsi mettre à feu la charge principale 34 contenue à l'intérieur du support 16 (celui-ci est représenté schématiquement en traits mixtes sur la figure 2).The cap 28 has a thinned part or cover 32 which is destroyed during the explosion of the charge 24. When the charge 22 is ignited under the effect of the laser beam emitted by the source 10, it is the seat of a shock wave. This wave propagates through the load 22, then through the load 24 where it is reinforced. The explosion of the charge 24 leads to the destruction of the cover 32 and the shock wave can thus ignite the main charge 34 contained inside the support 16 (the latter is shown diagrammatically in phantom on the figure 2).

Le corps 18 du dispositif objet de l'invention présente encore un passage 36 permettant au faisceau laser 38 de pénétrer à l'intérieur du dispositif. Une barrière transparente 40 est montée à l'intérieur du passage 38, en amont de la cavité 20 par rapport au sens de propagation du faisceau. Il est à noter que, dans l'exemple représenté ici, tous les éléments du dispositif présentent une symétrie de révolution autour d'un axe commun. La barrière transparente 40 a la forme d'un tronc de cône s'élargissant en direction de la cavité 20 et limité à ses deux extrémités par des faces circulaires planes et perpendiculaires à l'axe de symétrie du dispositif. Elle est logée dans une partie du passage 40 ayant la même forme, l'étanchéité entre la barrière 40 et le corps 18 étant assurée par des moyens d'étanchéité 42, par exemple un joint torique en caouchouc. Quant à l'étanchéité entre le corps 18 et le support 16, elle peut être assurée par un joint torique 46 ou tout autre dispositif équivalent. Cette réalisation particulière permet d'assurer l'étanchéité parfaite au retour de gaz sous pression lors de l'explosion (≦ 400 Kbars).The body 18 of the device which is the subject of the invention also has a passage 36 allowing the laser beam 38 to penetrate inside the device. A transparent barrier 40 is mounted inside the passage 38, upstream of the cavity 20 relative to the direction of propagation of the beam. It should be noted that, in the example shown here, all the elements of the device have a symmetry of revolution about a common axis. The transparent barrier 40 has the shape of a truncated cone widening in the direction of the cavity 20 and limited at its two ends by planar circular faces perpendicular to the axis of symmetry of the device. It is housed in a part of the passage 40 having the same shape, the seal between the barrier 40 and the body 18 being provided by sealing means 42, for example an O-ring in rubber. As for the seal between the body 18 and the support 16, it can be ensured by an O-ring 46 or any other equivalent device. This particular embodiment ensures perfect sealing for the return of pressurized gas during the explosion (≦ 400 Kbars).

Des essais ont montré que les meilleurs résultats ont été obtenus avec une barrière transparente en saphir ayant la forme d'un tronc de cône limité par deux faces circulaires de diamètre 4 mm et 6 mm respectivement et dont la longueur était de 10 mm. On a aussi obtenu de bons résultats avec un tronc de cône en saphir de 8 mm de longueur et dont les faces d'extrémité avaient des diamètres de 4 et 6 mm respectivement.Tests have shown that the best results have been obtained with a transparent sapphire barrier having the shape of a truncated cone limited by two circular faces of diameter 4 mm and 6 mm respectively and the length of which was 10 mm. Good results have also been obtained with a sapphire truncated cone 8 mm in length and the end faces of which had diameters of 4 and 6 mm respectively.

Le saphir, qui est un cristal d'oxyde d'aluminium (Al₂O₃) particulier, est bien adapté pour cet usage car il possède un module d'Young très élevé (3,7.10⁵ MPa). De plus, son point de ramollissement se situe à 1800°C, ce qui lui confère une bonne résistance à la température (à titre de comparaison, on peut noter que le verre B1664 a une température de transformation de 559°C).Sapphire, which is a particular aluminum oxide crystal (Al₂O₃), is well suited for this use because it has a very high Young's modulus (3.7.10⁵ MPa). In addition, its softening point is at 1800 ° C, which gives it good temperature resistance (for comparison, it can be noted that B1664 glass has a processing temperature of 559 ° C).

On voit encore sur la figure 2 un opercule mince 44 interposé entre la barrière transparente 40 et la charge initiatrice 22. Dans l'exemple représenté ici, cet opercule se présente sous la forme d'un revêtement mince déposé sur la face arrière de la barrière 40. L'épaisseur de ce revêtement est comprise entre quelques centaines et quelques milliers d'Angström et son matériau constitutif peut être un métal tel que, par exemple, l'aluminium, l'or, l'argent, le niobium ou l'indium. Cependant, on ne sortirait pas du cadre de l'invention en utilisant un autre matériau (par exemple une matière organique) ou une autre disposition, le revêtement étant par exemple déposé sur la charge initiatrice 22. Cet opercule trouve son utilité lorsqu'on utilise un explosif secondaire comme charge initiatrice. En effet, pour initier un tel explosif, il faut une onde de choc puissante. Celle-ci peut être obtenue par le claquage d'une fine couche métallique et on peut obtenir le claquage de l'opercule 44 en focalisant le faisceau 38 sur l'opercule 44.We also see in Figure 2 a thin cover 44 interposed between the transparent barrier 40 and the initiating charge 22. In the example shown here, this cover is in the form of a thin coating deposited on the rear face of the barrier 40. The thickness of this coating is between a few hundred and a few thousand Angstroms and its constituent material can be a metal such as, for example, aluminum, gold, silver, niobium or indium. However, it would not go beyond the scope of the invention to use another material (for example an organic material) or another arrangement, the coating being for example deposited on the initiating charge 22. This seal finds its usefulness when using a secondary explosive as the initiating charge. Indeed, to initiate such an explosive, you need a powerful shock wave. This can be obtained by the breakdown of a thin metallic layer and the breakdown of the cover 44 can be obtained by focusing the beam 38 on the cover 44.

Le dispositif illustré à la figure 2 comporte en outre des moyens de focalisation du faisceau laser. Ces derniers consistent essentiellement en un connecteur optique se présentant sous la forme d'un boîtier creux pouvant être enfilé par dessus l'extrémité du corps 18 opposée à la cavité 20. La fibre optique 12 transmettant le faisceau du laser 10 au dispositif 14 traverse une paroi du connecteur 48 et son extrémité se trouve à l'intérieur de celui-ci. Le faisceau laser sortant de la fibre 12 traverse une première lentille 50 montée à l'intérieur du connecteur 48. Celle-ci peut être maintenue sur un épaulement ou un support à l'aide d'une entretoise 52 vissée à l'intérieur du connecteur 48. La forme de la lentille 50 est déterminée pour que le faisceau 38, qui est divergent lorsqu'il sort de la fibre 12, soit parallèle après avoir traversé la lentille 50, son axe optique étant confondu avec l'axe de révolution du dispositif 14. Une deuxième lentille 54 est montée à l'intérieur du corps 18, dans le passage 36, et elle se trouve entre la première lentille et la barrière transparente 14. Tout comme la lentille 50, la lentille 54 peut être maintenue dans un logement ou un support à l'aide d'une entretoise 56.The device illustrated in Figure 2 further comprises means for focusing the laser beam. The latter essentially consist of an optical connector in the form of a hollow box which can be slipped over the end of the body 18 opposite the cavity 20. The optical fiber 12 transmitting the beam of the laser 10 to the device 14 passes through a wall of the connector 48 and its end is inside the latter. The laser beam leaving the fiber 12 passes through a first lens 50 mounted inside the connector 48. This can be held on a shoulder or a support using a spacer 52 screwed inside the connector 48. The shape of the lens 50 is determined so that the beam 38, which is divergent when it leaves the fiber 12, is parallel after passing through the lens 50, its optical axis being coincident with the axis of revolution of the device 14. A second lens 54 is mounted inside the body 18, in the passage 36, and it is located between the first lens and the transparent barrier 14. Just like the lens 50, the lens 54 can be held in a housing or a support using a spacer 56.

Ainsi, lorsque le connecteur 48 est monté sur le corps 18, le faisceau 38 est parallèle lorsqu'il sort de la première lentille 50 et il est toujours parallèle lorsqu'il arrive sur la deuxième lentille 54. Cette dernière est une lentille convergente, ce qui fait que le faisceau 38 est convergent le long de son trajet entre la lentille 54 et la barrière transparente 40. Lorsqu'il aborde cette dernière, il est encore réfracté, mais reste convergent, et vient frapper l'opercule 44. La forme et l'emplacement de la lentille 54 et de la barrière 40 sont déterminés pour que le faisceau parallèle entrant dans la lentille 54 soit focalisé de manière à obtenir l'image de la sortie de la fibre sur l'opercule 44. La concentration du faisceau à cet endroit provoque le claquage optique de l'opercule 44. Ceci entraîne la création d'une onde de choc à l'intérieur de la charge initiatrice 22, provoquant le fonctionnement du dispositif.Thus, when the connector 48 is mounted on the body 18, the beam 38 is parallel when it leaves the first lens 50 and it is always parallel when it arrives on the second lens 54. The latter is a converging lens, this which causes the beam 38 to converge along its path between the lens 54 and the transparent barrier 40. When it approaches the latter, it is still refracted, but remains convergent, and comes to strike the cover 44. The shape and the location of the lens 54 and of the barrier 40 are determined so that the parallel beam entering the lens 54 is focused so as to obtain the image of the exit of the fiber on the cover 44. The concentration of the beam at this location causes the optical breakdown of the cover 44. This results in the creation of a shock wave inside the initiating charge 22, causing the device to operate.

La figure 3 illustre un dispositif semblable à celui de la figure 2, mais dans lequel la lentille 54 est supprimée tandis que la face avant 41 de la barrière 40 est de forme convexe, lorsqu'elle est vue depuis l'entrée du dispositif. Ainsi, la face avant de la barrière 40 se comporte comme une lentille plan­convexe faisant converger le faisceau parallèle issu de la première lentille 50. Dans ce cas, la forme de la face 41 et la longueur de la barrière 40 sont déterminées, en fonction de la longueur d'onde du faisceau, pour que celui-ci soit focalisé en un point donné, par exemple pour obtenir l'image de la face de sortie de la fibre 12 sur l'opercule 44. C'est donc la face avant 41 de la barrière 40 qui constitue la deuxième lentille du dispositif.FIG. 3 illustrates a device similar to that of FIG. 2, but in which the lens 54 is removed while the front face 41 of the barrier 40 is of convex shape, when it is seen from the entrance of the device. So the face front of the barrier 40 behaves like a planconvex lens converging the parallel beam from the first lens 50. In this case, the shape of the face 41 and the length of the barrier 40 are determined, as a function of the length of beam wave, so that it is focused at a given point, for example to obtain the image of the exit face of the fiber 12 on the cover 44. It is therefore the front face 41 of the barrier 40 which constitutes the second lens of the device.

Ainsi, le dispositif objet de l'invention présente des avantages particulièrement intéressants dont le principal est un bon confinement de la charge pyrotechnique avant fonctionnement et des produits de la détonation après fonctionnement. Ceci est obtenu par la présence de la barrière transparente 40 qui est fixée de manière étanche l'intérieur du corps 18, et est réalisée en un matériau résistant aux effets de la détonation. D'autre part, les opérations de montage, réglage et positionnement sont facilitées par l'utilisation d'un système optique qui rend le faisceau laser 38 parallèle sur une partie de son parcours. La distance entre les deux lentilles n'a plus besoin d'être déterminée avec précision puisque, même si cette distance varie, le faisceau reste parallèle lorsqu'il arrive sur la deuxième lentille. Il faut cependant veiller au centrage des différents éléments, ce qui est relativement facile dans la mesure où les constituants du dispositif présentent une symétrie de révolution.Thus, the device which is the subject of the invention has particularly advantageous advantages, the main one of which is good confinement of the pyrotechnic charge before operation and of the products of the detonation after operation. This is obtained by the presence of the transparent barrier 40 which is tightly fixed inside the body 18, and is made of a material resistant to the effects of detonation. On the other hand, the mounting, adjustment and positioning operations are facilitated by the use of an optical system which makes the laser beam 38 parallel over part of its path. The distance between the two lenses no longer needs to be determined with precision since, even if this distance varies, the beam remains parallel when it arrives on the second lens. However, care must be taken to center the various elements, which is relatively easy insofar as the components of the device have a symmetry of revolution.

Enfin, il est bien entendu que l'invention ne se limite pas au seul mode de réalisation qui vient d'être décrit, mais qu'on peut imaginer de nombreuses variantes sans sortir pour autant du cadre de l'invention. C'est ainsi qu'on peut utiliser ou non l'opercule 44 ou remplacer la charge initiatrice 22 par une substance qui s'enflamme sous l'effet de l'énergie apportée par le faisceau laser, cette flamme provoquant l'explosion d'une autre substance pyrotechnique. On peut aussi remplacer les deux charges 22 et 24 par une charge unique.Finally, it is understood that the invention is not limited to the single embodiment which has just been described, but that one can imagine many variants without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus it is possible to use or not the cover 44 or replace the initiating charge 22 with a substance which ignites under the effect of the energy provided by the laser beam, this flame causing the explosion of another pyrotechnic substance. One can also replace the two charges 22 and 24 by a single charge.

On peut encore modifier la forme de la barrière 40 et associer ou non au dispositif de l'invention un système optique, comme cela est illustré aux figures 4 à 7.It is also possible to modify the shape of the barrier 40 and to associate or not with the device of the invention an optical system, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 7.

Dans le cas des figures 4 et 5, il n'y a pas de système optique associé. Sur les figures 4a à 4c, les faces d'entrée et de sortie de la barrière transparente 40 sont planes et perpendiculaires à l'axe de symétrie du dispositif. Dans le cas de la figure 4a, la barrière 40 a la forme d'un tronc de cône s'élargissant vers la charge 23, comme dans le cas de la figure 2, tandis que, dans le cas de la figure 4b, elle se rétrécit en direction de la charge 23. Dans le cas de la figure 4c,la barrière 40 se présente sous la forme d'un barreau cylindrique de diamètre constant.In the case of FIGS. 4 and 5, there is no associated optical system. In FIGS. 4a to 4c, the entry and exit faces of the transparent barrier 40 are planar and perpendicular to the axis of symmetry of the device. In the case of FIG. 4a, the barrier 40 has the shape of a truncated cone widening towards the load 23, as in the case of FIG. 2, while, in the case of FIG. 4b, it is narrows in the direction of the load 23. In the case of FIG. 4c, the barrier 40 is in the form of a cylindrical bar of constant diameter.

Les figures 5a à 5c illustrent le cas où la face avant 41 de la barrière 40 est de forme convexe et taillée de manière à focaliser un faisceau parallèle arrivant sur cette face 41 en un point donné du dispositif. Sur la figure 5a, la barrière 40 a la forme d'un tronc de cône s'élargissant vers la charge 23 tandis que, dans le cas de la figure 5b, elle se rétrécit en direction de cette charge. Enfin, dans le cas de la figure 5c, la barrière 40 a la forme d'un cylindre, comme sur la figure 4c.FIGS. 5a to 5c illustrate the case where the front face 41 of the barrier 40 is of convex shape and cut so as to focus a parallel beam arriving on this face 41 at a given point of the device. In FIG. 5a, the barrier 40 has the shape of a truncated cone widening towards the load 23 while, in the case of FIG. 5b, it narrows in the direction of this load. Finally, in the case of FIG. 5c, the barrier 40 has the shape of a cylinder, as in FIG. 4c.

Les figures 6 et 7 illustrent des variantes dans lesquelles le dispositif de l'invention est associé à un système optique.Figures 6 and 7 illustrate variants in which the device of the invention is associated with an optical system.

Les figures 6a à 6c concernent des réalisations dans lesquelles les deux faces d'entrée et de sortie de la barrière 40 sont planes et perpendiculaire à l'axe de symétrie du dispositif, la barrière 40 se présentant sous la forme d'un tronc de cône s'élargissant vers la charge 23. Dans le cas de la figure 6a, les deux lentilles 50 et 54 sont montées dans un connecteur 48 indépendant du corps 18 du dispositif. La figure 6b correspond à ce qui est illustré à la figure 2, la première lentille 50 étant montée sur le connecteur 48 et la deuxième lentille 54 sur le corps 18. Enfin, dans le cas de la figure 6c, les deux lentilles sont montées sur le corps 18 et il n'y a pas de connecteur démontable.FIGS. 6a to 6c relate to embodiments in which the two inlet and outlet faces of the barrier 40 are planar and perpendicular to the axis of symmetry of the device, the barrier 40 being in the form of a truncated cone widening towards the load 23. In the case of FIG. 6a, the two lenses 50 and 54 are mounted in a connector 48 independent of the body 18 of the device. FIG. 6b corresponds to what is illustrated in FIG. 2, the first lens 50 being mounted on the connector 48 and the second lens 54 on the body 18. Finally, in the case of FIG. 6c, the two lenses are mounted on body 18 and there is no connector removable.

Les figures 7a et 7b concernent le cas où la face avant 41 de la barrière 40 est convexe afin de constituer la deuxième lentille. Sur la figure 7a, la première lentille 50 est montée sur un connecteur 48 indépendant, tandis que, dans le cas de la figure 7b, la première lentille 50 est montée à demeure sur le corps 18. Enfin, il est à noter que, sur les figures 6 et 7, la barrière transparente 40 se présente toujours sous la forme d'un tronc de cône s'élargissant vers la charge pyrotechnique 23. Cependant, on ne sortirait pas du cadre de l'invention en donnant d'autres formes à la barrière transparente, par exemple la forme d'un tronc du cône se rétrécissant vers la charge 23 ou d'un barrreau cylindrique comme illustré aux figures 4 et 5.Figures 7a and 7b relate to the case where the front face 41 of the barrier 40 is convex so as to constitute the second lens. In FIG. 7a, the first lens 50 is mounted on an independent connector 48, while, in the case of FIG. 7b, the first lens 50 is permanently mounted on the body 18. Finally, it should be noted that, on Figures 6 and 7, the transparent barrier 40 is always in the form of a truncated cone widening towards the pyrotechnic charge 23. However, it would not depart from the scope of the invention to give other forms to the transparent barrier, for example the shape of a trunk of the cone narrowing towards the load 23 or of a cylindrical bar as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5.

La figure 8 représente un mode de réalisation préféré d'un laser pouvant être utilisé dans l'invention.FIG. 8 represents a preferred embodiment of a laser which can be used in the invention.

Le laser 10 comprend un barreau amplificateur 62, un tube éclair droit 64, deux miroirs 66 et 68, un déclencheur 70 (à colorant ou à cellule de Pockels) et une électronique 72.The laser 10 comprises an amplifier bar 62, a straight flash tube 64, two mirrors 66 and 68, a trigger 70 (with dye or Pockels cell) and electronics 72.

Le barreau 62 est composé d'un verre dopé au néodyme travaillant à une longueur d'onde 1,06 µm correspondant à une fenêtre optique de la fibre optique 12. Le fonctionnement en mode déclenché est assuré par l'interposition entre les deux miroirs de la cavité optique de l'absorbant saturable 70 (déclenchement de type passif) ou d'une cellule de Pockels (déclenchement de type actif). L'impulsion laser, de forme approximativement gaussienne, a une durée d'impulsion de l'ordre de 10 ns mi­hauteur.The bar 62 is composed of a neodymium-doped glass working at a wavelength 1.06 μm corresponding to an optical window of the optical fiber 12. The operation in triggered mode is ensured by the interposition between the two mirrors. the optical cavity of the saturable absorbent 70 (triggering of the passive type) or of a Pockels cell (triggering of the active type). The laser pulse, approximately Gaussian in shape, has a pulse duration of the order of 10 ns half height.

L'énergie optique est de l'ordre de 75 mJ avec un absorbant saturable comme système de déclenchement et de l'ordre de 150 mJ avec une cellule de Pockels.The optical energy is of the order of 75 mJ with a saturable absorbent as a trigger system and of the order of 150 mJ with a Pockels cell.

Claims (14)

1. Dispositif d'amorçage photopyrotechnique comprenant un corps (18) présentant :
      - une cavité (30) pour loger une charge pyrotechnique (22, 24),
      - une entrée pour un faisceau énergétique de longueur d'onde donnée servant à initier cette charge (22, 24), et
      - un passage (36) pour le faisceau énergétique entre ladite entrée et la cavité (30),
caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte en outre :
      - une barrière transparente (40) placée dans le passage (36), cette barrière résistant aux effets mécaniques engendrés lors du fonctionnement de la charge et étant réalisée en un matériau transparent à la longueur d'onde du faisceau utilisé, et ayant une première face (41) du côté de l'entrée et une deuxième face du côté de la charge pyrotechnique (22, 24), son emplacement et la forme de ses deux faces sont déterminés de manière à focaliser en un point donné un faisceau énergétique parallèle ayant ladite longueur d'onde donnée et pénétrant dans cette barrière transparente (40) par sa première face (41), et
      - des moyens d'étanchéité (42) entre cette barrière (40) et le corps du dispositif.1. Photopyrotechnical initiation device comprising a body (18) having:
- a cavity (30) for housing a pyrotechnic charge (22, 24),
- an input for an energy beam of given wavelength used to initiate this charge (22, 24), and
- a passage (36) for the energy beam between said inlet and the cavity (30),
characterized in that it further comprises:
- A transparent barrier (40) placed in the passage (36), this barrier resisting the mechanical effects generated during the operation of the load and being made of a material transparent to the wavelength of the beam used, and having a first face (41) on the entry side and a second face on the side of the pyrotechnic charge (22, 24), its location and the shape of its two faces are determined so as to focus at a given point a parallel energy beam having said given wavelength and penetrating into this transparent barrier (40) through its first face (41), and
- sealing means (42) between this barrier (40) and the body of the device. 2. Dispositif selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que la barrière transparente (40) est en saphir.2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the transparent barrier (40) is made of sapphire. 3. Dispositif selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que la barrière transparente (40) a la forme de tronc de cône s'élargissant en direction de la cavité (20), et en ce que les moyens d'étanchéité (42) sont assurés par un joint torique.3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the transparent barrier (40) has the shape of a truncated cone widening in the direction of the cavity (20), and in that the sealing means (42) are secured by an O-ring. 4. Dispositif selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte un opercule mince (44) placé entre la barrière transparente (40) et la charge pyrotechnique et ayant une face en contact avec cette dernière.4. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a thin cover (44) placed between the transparent barrier (40) and the pyrotechnic charge and having a face in contact with the latter. 5. Dispositif selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que, ledit corps (18) étant monté sur un support (16), il comprend des moyens d'étanchéité (46) entre le corps (18) et ce support (16).5. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that, said body (18) being mounted on a support (16), it comprises sealing means (46) between the body (18) and this support (16). 6. Dispositif selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que la barrière transparente (40) ayant une première face (41) du côté de l'entrée et une deuxième face du côté de la charge pyrotechnique (22, 24), son emplacement et la forme de ses deux faces sont déterminés de manière à focaliser en un point donné un faisceau énergétique parallèle ayant ladite longueur d'onde donnée et pénétrant dans cette barrière transparente (40) par sa première face (41).6. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the transparent barrier (40) having a first face (41) on the entry side and a second face on the side of the pyrotechnic charge (22, 24), its location and the shape of its two faces are determined so as to focus at a given point a parallel energy beam having said given wavelength and penetrating into this transparent barrier (40) by its first face (41). 7. Dispositif selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte en outre des moyens de focalisation du faisceau énergétique en un point donné.7. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises means for focusing the energy beam at a given point. 8. Dispositif selon la revendication 7, caractérisé en ce que les moyens de focalisation comprennent :
      - une première lentille (50) taillée de manière à rendre parallèle le faisceau énergétique arrivant dans le dispositif, et
      - une deuxième lentille (54) placée entre la première lentille (50) et la barrière transparente (40) de sorte que le faisceau énergétique (38) traverse successivement la première lentille (50), la deuxième lentille (54) et la barrière transparente (40), la position et la forme de la deuxième lentille (54) et de la barrière transparente (40) étant déterminées pour que le faisceau énergétique parallèle sortant de la première lentille (50) soit focalisé en un point donné.8. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that the focusing means comprise:
a first lens (50) cut so as to make the energy beam arriving in the device parallel, and
- a second lens (54) placed between the first lens (50) and the transparent barrier (40) so that the energy beam (38) successively passes through the first lens (50), the second lens (54) and the transparent barrier (40), the position and the shape of the second lens (54) and of the transparent barrier (40) being determined so that the parallel energy beam leaving the first lens (50) is focused at a given point. 9. Dispositif selon la revendication 8, caractérisé en ce que la première lentille (50) est montée sur un connecteur optique (48) pouvant être fixé de manière démontable sur le corps (18) du dispositif.9. Device according to claim 8, characterized in that the first lens (50) is mounted on an optical connector (48) which can be fixed in a removable manner on the body (18) of the device. 10. Dispositif selon la revendication 8, caractérisé en ce que les deux lentilles (50, 54) sont montées sur un connecteur optique pouvant être fixé de manière démontable sur le corps (18) du dispositif, la deuxième lentille (54) se trouvant dans la position permettant de focaliser le faisceau énergétique en un point donné lorsque le connecteur optique (48) est monté sur le corps (18) du dispositif.10. Device according to claim 8, characterized in that the two lenses (50, 54) are mounted on an optical connector which can be fixed in a removable manner on the body (18) of the device, the second lens (54) being in the position making it possible to focus the energy beam at a given point when the optical connector (48) is mounted on the body (18) of the device. 11. Dispositif selon la revendication 7, caractérisé en ce que les deux lentilles (50, 54) sont fixées à l'intérieur du corps (18) du dispositif.11. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that the two lenses (50, 54) are fixed inside the body (18) of the device. 12. Dispositif selon la revendication 7, caractérisé en ce que la barrière transparente (40) ayant une première face (41) du côté de l'entrée et une deuxième face du côté de la charge pyrotechnique, ses deux faces sont taillées de manière à focaliser le faisceau parallèle sortant de la première lentille (50) en un point donné, la première face (41) de la barrière transparente (40) constituant ainsi la deuxième lentille.12. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that the transparent barrier (40) having a first face (41) on the entry side and a second face on the side of the pyrotechnic charge, its two faces are cut so as to focusing the parallel beam leaving the first lens (50) at a given point, the first face (41) of the transparent barrier (40) thus constituting the second lens. 13. Chaîne fonctionnelle photopyrotechnique comprenant :
      - une source laser (10) émettant un faisceau de longueur d'onde donnée,
      - un dispositif d'amorçage photopyrotechnique (14), et
      - un câble optique (12) transportant le faisceau de la source laser (10) au dispositif d'amorçage (14);
caractérisée en ce que le dispositif d'amorçage (14) est conforme à la revendication 1.13. Photopyrotechnical functional chain comprising:
- a laser source (10) emitting a beam of given wavelength,
- a photopyrotechnical initiation device (14), and
- an optical cable (12) transporting the beam from the laser source (10) to the ignition device (14);
characterized in that the initiating device (14) conforms to claim 1. 14. Chaîne fonctionnelle selon la revendication 13, caractérisée en ce que la source laser (10) est un laser pulsé déclenché.14. Functional chain according to claim 13, characterized in that the laser source (10) is a triggered pulsed laser.
EP88401203A 1987-05-20 1988-05-18 Photopyrotechnic priming device, and photopyrotechnic chain using such a device Expired - Lifetime EP0292383B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

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AT88401203T ATE80453T1 (en) 1987-05-20 1988-05-18 DEVICE FOR PHOTOPYROTECHNIC IGNITION AND PHOTOPYROTECHNIC CHAIN WITH SUCH DEVICE.

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FR8707069 1987-05-20
FR8707069A FR2615609B1 (en) 1987-05-20 1987-05-20 PHOTOPYROTECHNICAL PRIMING DEVICE AND PHOTOPYROTECHNICAL CHAIN USING THE SAME

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EP0292383A1 true EP0292383A1 (en) 1988-11-23
EP0292383B1 EP0292383B1 (en) 1992-09-09

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JP (1) JPS63311097A (en)
AT (1) ATE80453T1 (en)
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DE (1) DE3874413T2 (en)
DK (1) DK165710C (en)
ES (1) ES2035333T3 (en)
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ATE80453T1 (en) 1992-09-15
FR2615609A1 (en) 1988-11-25
IL86441A (en) 1993-01-31
NO170041B (en) 1992-05-25
FR2615609B1 (en) 1991-12-20
DK165710B (en) 1993-01-04
EP0292383B1 (en) 1992-09-09
DK274988A (en) 1988-11-21
ES2035333T3 (en) 1993-04-16
DK274988D0 (en) 1988-05-19
NO882230D0 (en) 1988-05-20
CA1324733C (en) 1993-11-30
JPS63311097A (en) 1988-12-19
DE3874413D1 (en) 1992-10-15
DK165710C (en) 1993-05-24
DE3874413T2 (en) 1993-03-11
NO170041C (en) 1992-09-02
NO882230L (en) 1988-11-21
US4870903A (en) 1989-10-03

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