Experimental study of laser initiation of a photosensitive explosive over a $\approx$ 1000 mm$^2$ surface

This paper presents the results of a study of the initiation of explosive transformation of flat charges 40 mm in diameter and 5 mm thick, made of a low-density ($\rho\approx$ 0.9 g/cm$^3$) light-sensitive explosive composition based on fine RDX and aluminum. It is shown that laser radiation (LR) can be used to initiate explosive transformation on a large area ($\approx$ 1000 mm$^2$) with a small difference in the time of arrival of the detonation wave front. It is determined that at a LR energy density $Q\operatorname{opt}$ = 10 J/cm$^2$) over the entire LR spot on the charge surface, the difference in the time of arrival of the detonation wave front at the rear surface of the charge is not more than 50 ns.