Mechanisms of optically initiated decomposition of MgO-PETN and MgO-TNT composites*

Optical initiation to detonation of energetic materials (EMs) opens up new ways for safe handling, storage, and use of high explosives. EM-oxide interfaces have distinct optical and electronic properties because of the alignment of the filled and vacant electronic states of oxides and EMs. These changes are key factor for achieving tunable sensitivity through controllable initiation of decomposition reactions. We report here results of experimental and theoretical study on photointiation of PETN-MgO and TNT-MgO composites. We discuss electronic and optical properties of these materials and reveal mechanisms of photoinitiation reactions involving charge transfer from metal oxide to explosive compound. We also show how chemical stability of ionized explosive compounds can be critical for design composite materials with controllable optical sensitivity.