Mechanism of shock wave merging in a laser jet engine

A new approach based on the mechanism of the merging of shock waves generated by an optical pulsating discharge (OPD) is considered for developing laser jet engines (LJE). It is proposed to use high-power repetitively pulsed laser radiation of small duration (150–250 ns), energy 20–200 J, and a pulse repetition rate of up to 100 kHz for producing an OPD. The formation of an OPD with the help of an array of reflectors allows a manifold increase in the efficiency of laser radiation used for developing an LJE and prevents severe shock loading of the engine, excludes thermal action of laser plasma on the reflector, and decreases the shielding of laser radiation by plasma. Possible values of the LJE thrust are estimated under conditions of the proposed mechanism of merging of shock waves into a quasistationary high-pressure wave.