Laser Ordnance Devices

Product Description

The Laser Firing Units are lightweight units that provide fiber optic guided infrared radiation pulses to safely and reliably initiate many types of explosive and pyrotechnic output devices—deflagration, detonation, ignition, pressure and gas generators.

Our Laser Firing Units are immune to EMP, EMI and ESD. LFUs have built in test, low power demand and nearly unlimited distance between the fireset and ordnance. In applications where a positive physical barrier is required, initiation energy interruption is also available.

Our existing Laser Initiation systems have an integrated Built-in-Test (BIT) to ensure full end-to-end optical continuity and laser firing unit electrical functionality that is interfaced with flight telemetry. The LFU interfaces directly with the mission/flight computer via the missile system high speed bus.  This system offers significantly reduced weight and volume while offering increased system reliability and lower overall system cost.

Product Description

Laser initiators perform the same roles as conventional initiators although they use an alternate activation method – infrared laser light. The initiator output can be catered to either favor sustained pressure for performing mechanical work, or to emphasize hot particles for igniting adjacent energetics. Laser initiated devices offer unique characteristics over electrically ignited devices. They are ESD, RF and EMI/EMP immune which can be advantageous in certain design applications. They also generally present a system weight reduction for cabling because the fiber optic lines weigh less than typical copper lines and energetic transfer lines. We have qualified designs which utilize 100, 200 and 400 micron fiber optic cable assemblies. Any of the current designs can be adapted to other specified fiber optic systems.

Reliability and safety have been demonstrated on these designs as attested by the approval of range safety and man rated system uses.

Product Description

Laser Motor Igniters perform the same roles as conventional motor igniters although they use an alternate activation method – infrared laser light. Laser initiated devices offer unique characteristics over electrically ignited devices. They are ESD, RF and EMI/EMP immune which can be advantageous in certain design applications. They also generally present a system weight reduction for cabling because the fiber optic lines weigh less than typical copper lines and energetic transfer lines. We have qualified designs which utilize 100, 200 and 400 micron fiber optic cable assemblies. Any of the current designs can be adapted to other specified fiber optic systems.

Reliability and safety have been demonstrated on these designs as attested by the approval of range safety and man rated system uses.

Product Description

Laser detonators can be used in applications requiring shock or severe mechanical impulse to operate. The detonation output is useful for setting off adjacent high order energetics, including transfer lines, or for rupturing adjacent surfaces for various purposes such as releasing pressure or intentionally inducing structural failure mechanisms (e.g. bulkhead or pressure vessel breaching, shape charge activation, etc.).