The ALP-PALS project: optimal coupling for laser propulsion

Ablative laser propulsion (ALP) could revolutionize space travel by reducing the 30:1 propellant/payload ratio needed for near-earth orbit 50-fold. Experiments to date have demonstrated the necessary efficiency, coupling coefficient, and specific impulse for application, but were performed at pulse energies and spot sizes much smaller than required and at wavelengths not usable in the atmosphere. Prior experiments have also not simultaneously measured the properties of the ions produced or of the ablated surface, properties that would allow full understanding of the propulsion properties in terms of ion characteristics. The first realistic measurements of laser propulsion parameters are proposed using PALS (Prague Asterix Laser System), the important parameters of which (pulse energy (∼ 1 kJ), pulse length (400 ps), beam diameter (∼ 29 cm), and flat beam profile) equal those required for application. The PALS wavelength is a little short (1.3 μ m vs.>1.5 μ m) but is closer than any other laser available and PALS’ 2ω/3ω capability should allow extrapolation to application values. The PALS’ proven infrastructure for measuring laser-driven ion properties means that only a ballistic pendulum for measuring momentum transfer will have to be added.