Experiments on laser ablation of black and white Delrin® with a 10.6‐micron laser beam
from a CO2 electric discharge laser are reported. Mass ablation and thrust generation
(impulse) were accurately measured as a function of input laser energy in single‐shot
experiments. The efficiency of conversion of laser energy to jet kinetic energy depended on
the geometry of the energy absorption/conversion zone. The standard geometry, an
axisymmetric mini‐thruster with 13‐degree conical half angle and 8: 1 expansion ratio …

On our 31st trip to the laser facility at WSMR we carried out experiments on laser ablation of
black and white Delrin [also called polyoxymethylene, polyformaldehyde,(HCHO) x]. Mass
ablation and thrust generation (Impulse) were accurately measured as a function of input
laser energy in one shot experiments. The efficiency of conversion of laser energy to jet
kinetic energy depended on the geometry of the energy absorption/conversion zone. The
most ideal geometry, an axis symmetric mini thruster, produced~ 60% conversion efficiency …