Patent ID: 6539868
Filing Date: 2003-04-01
Classification: F42B

Abstract:
An optical igniter including, a pyrotechnic substance, an optical fiber one end of which is connected to a source of laser radiation and an other end of which is inserted in a connector, means for providing a removable mechanical connection between said optical fiber connector and said pyrotechnic substance, and a glass rod between said optical fiber connector and said pyrotechnic substance, said glass rod having an axis aligned with an axis of said optical fiber, being made of graded index glass and being in one part, and having a ratio of its length to its diameter corresponding to the half-pitch optical characteristic of said graded index glass, said glass rod being in contact by its exit face with said pyrotechnic substance and by its entry face with the other end of said optical fiber so that laser radiation from said other end of said optical fiber passes through said glass rod and is focused so as to meet in one focus point onto said exit face of said glass rod in contact with said pyrotechnic substance.