Hardened, Optically-Based Temperature Characterization of Detonation Environments

Improving the effectiveness of counter-WMD operations requires improved understanding of weapon-target interaction. Specifically, time-resolved measurements of temperature and composition are required to allow temporal evolution of a detonation fireball. To address this need, SA Photonics will develop MONITOR, a laser-based temperature diagnostic that will enable wide dynamic range temperature measurements. In particular, we will develop and implement a novel measurement technique based on absorption spectroscopy, probing concentrations of diatomic radical species including metal oxides and iodine vapor in the visible spectrum. A high power fiber-based visible broadband laser source will be developed to enable single pulse spectroscopy at MHz repetition rates.