Laser-Driven High-Velocity Microparticle Launcher In Atmosphere And Under Vacuum

The study of high-velocity microparticles is important to a wide range of both space and terrestrial applications. In space, high- and hyper-velocity micro-debris and micrometeorites, while also a subject of study, pose a threat to equipment and personnel integrity [1–4]. On earth, high-velocity microparticle impact can be, for instance, utilized for therapeutic purposes in the field of biolistics [5] or to build metallic coatings via the cold spray method [6]. While macroscale projectile impacts have been studied using well established experimental tools, such as light-gas guns, optical methods are gaining interest in the field of micro-particle impacts.