Electronic Processes in Explosives Initiation

The work describes the determination of the electronic energy level structure in explosives using low temperature optical absorption techniques and the determination of electronic transport properties by photoconductivity and related solid state measurements. Madelung potentials and electric energy levels were theoretically determined and indicate the nature of the bonding within the explosive crystal lattice. These studies have focused on the relationship between the chemical pseudostability of explosives and their electronic structure and have suggested novel mechanisms for initiation of primary and secondary explosives, propellants, and pyrothechnics. Specifically, photo-electronic initiation has been observed in lead and thallous azide. The effect has been characterized and interpreted in terms of the optical and electronic transport measurements on these materials. (Modified author abstract)