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Multilayers for directed energy accelerated lightsails
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DOI：10.1038/s43246-022-00240-8.png)
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Abstract
En 中文
A lightsail accelerated via directed energy is a candidate technology to send a probe into the deep space in a time period compatible with human life. The light emitted by a ground-based large-aperture phased laser array is directed onto the lightsail to produce a thrust by transferring the momentum of the incident photons. Here we demonstrate that optimized multilayer structures allow ultralight spacecraft being accelerated by laser radiation pressure up to 20% of the light velocity, and eventually even above, as long as a compromise between efficiency and weight is achieved. Layer materials are selected to provide high reflectance in the Doppler-shifted laser wavelength range as well as high emissivity in the infrared, this last characteristic being required to survive to the temperature increase during the acceleration phase. Lightsails accelerated by ground-based laser arrays are a candidate technology to send probes into deep space in a timeframe compatible with human life. Here, an optimization study identifies the most promising multilayer structures that maximize propulsion efficiency, thermal stability, and mechanical stiffness.
Keywords:
THERMAL-EXPANSION COEFFICIENT
CONSISTENT OPTICAL-CONSTANTS
EXTREME-ULTRAVIOLET
LASER
PROPULSION
TEMPERATURE
STABILITY
COATINGS
SILICON
STRESS
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1.4K
Citations:
4.3K
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