抄録
This paper focuses on the energy conversion process of the laser rockets, which has not been covered in
the previous special issues, the principle and basic physics of how thrust is generated from the laser beam
via the shock wave. The propagation mode and threshold of optical detonation as a fundamental physical
phenomenon are explained, and the author’s recent research on the fast-gas ionization wave (FIW) is introduced.
It is obvious that the propulsion design cannot be achieved without understanding the physical
phenomena as well as the combustion detonation as the basic research.
