Asymptotic theory for the momentum transfer to a surface when irradiated by a high power laser

A simplified model is developed to predict the impulse imparted to a surface when irradiated by a high power laser. A high pressure plasma is created by a laser supported detonation (LSD) wave traveling toward the energy source. The multi-dimensional expansion of the high pressure region is described by patching one, two and three-dimensional blast wave solutions to the LSD wave. The patching times are obtained by conserving energy between the wave solutions and are shown to be different from those used by previous authors. The pressure-time-space results are integrated to determine the net impulse delivered to the surface. A simplified procedure is outlined for converting target failure criterion to laser parameter requirements.