Interaction of Laser Radiation with Explosives, Applications and Perspectives

This chapter provides a brief overview of the main directions in research and application of the interaction of laser radiation with explosives. Historically the first application of such interaction based on thermal initiation of explosives is briefly characterized. The main methods of remote detection of explosives using laser radiation are listed. Particular attention is paid to the areas of research that have been recently formed such as spectral selective resonance interaction of laser radiation with explosives and explosives modified by nano-additives. It was noted that depending on the choice of the optical absorption band of the explosives, its excitation can lead either to the effective activation of an explosive or to its decomposition, which is not accompanied by a significant thermal effect. The latter case can be used for remote detection of the explosives and, partly, for passivation of their surface. Finally, it was demonstrated that the absorbing and refractive light nano-additives are able to reduce the threshold intensity of initiation of explosives by laser radiation, while keeping the resistance of explosives to impact or thermal effects that provides the safety conditions of working with them.