In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, systems and methods for triggering detonation of a perforating gun via optical signals are provided. An improved laser firing head may be used with an optical cable (e.g., fiber optic cable) run through the wellbore to trigger detonation of a perforating gun in response to an optical signal. The laser firing head may be activated, and the perforating gun fired, upon the application of an optical signal output from the surface and transmitted through the optical cable. The disclosed system using the laser firing head with the optical cable may be impervious to electrical interference, since the laser firing head may only fire the perforating gun when a properly modulated laser or light source is directed down the optical cable for a specific period of time.

In an embodiment, a photoinitiation apparatus includes: a set of illumination sources or elements configured for outputting optical energy; a body structure having a proximal body structure portion confining a proximal volume of explosive medium, an intermediate body structure portion confining an intermediate volume of explosive medium, and a distal body structure portion confining a distal volume of explosive medium, wherein the proximal volume of explosive medium is optically coupled to portions of the first volume of explosive medium, at least one of the proximal volume of explosive medium and the distal volume of explosive medium is a tertiary explosive medium, and (a) the body structure does not carry a primary explosive composition and does not carry a secondary explosive composition, and/or (b) each of the proximal, intermediate, and distal volumes of explosive media has an initiation sensitivity that is less than cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine (RDX) based explosive compositions.

In an embodiment, a photoinitiation apparatus includes: a set of illumination sources or elements configured for outputting optical energy; a body structure having a proximal body structure portion confining a proximal volume of explosive medium, an intermediate body structure portion confining an intermediate volume of explosive medium, and a distal body structure portion confining a distal volume of explosive medium, wherein the proximal volume of explosive medium is optically coupled to portions of the first volume of explosive medium, at least one of the proximal volume of explosive medium and the distal volume of explosive medium is a tertiary explosive medium, and (a) the body structure does not carry a primary explosive composition and does not carry a secondary explosive composition, and/or (b) each of the proximal, intermediate, and distal volumes of explosive media has an initiation sensitivity that is less than cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine (RDX) based explosive compositions.

In an embodiment, a photoinitiation apparatus includes: a set of illumination sources or elements configured for outputting optical energy; a body structure having a proximal body structure portion confining a proximal volume of explosive medium, an intermediate body structure portion confining an intermediate volume of explosive medium, and a distal body structure portion confining a distal volume of explosive medium, wherein the proximal volume of explosive medium is optically coupled to portions of the first volume of explosive medium, at least one of the proximal volume of explosive medium and the distal volume of explosive medium is a tertiary explosive medium, and (a) the body structure does not carry a primary explosive composition and does not carry a secondary explosive composition, and/or (b) each of the proximal, intermediate, and distal volumes of explosive media has an initiation sensitivity that is less than cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine (RDX) based explosive compositions.

In an embodiment, a photoinitiation apparatus includes: a set of illumination sources or elements configured for outputting optical energy; a body structure having a proximal body structure portion confining a proximal volume of explosive medium, an intermediate body structure portion confining an intermediate volume of explosive medium, and a distal body structure portion confining a distal volume of explosive medium, wherein the proximal volume of explosive medium is optically coupled to portions of the first volume of explosive medium, at least one of the proximal volume of explosive medium and the distal volume of explosive medium is a tertiary explosive medium, and (a) the body structure does not carry a primary explosive composition and does not carry a secondary explosive composition, and/or (b) each of the proximal, intermediate, and distal volumes of explosive media has an initiation sensitivity that is less than cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine (RDX) based explosive compositions.

The present invention relates to systems and methods for modifying or amplifying explosive devices through electromagnetic radiation (EMR). Exemplary embodiments provide increased energy density to an explosive reaction zone to allow increased blast overpressures, detonation velocity, and energy release without changing the explosive materials or quantity of explosives. An exemplary embodiment irradiates a reaction zone immediately before an explosive detonates to modify the explosive properties of an explosive device. Exemplary embodiments utilize automated targeting of EMR sources for precise modification of explosions with standardized and predictable effects.

The present invention relates to systems and methods for modifying or amplifying explosive devices through electromagnetic radiation (EMR). Exemplary embodiments provide increased energy density to an explosive reaction zone to allow increased blast overpressures, detonation velocity, and energy release without changing the explosive materials or quantity of explosives. An exemplary embodiment irradiates a reaction zone immediately before an explosive detonates to modify the explosive properties of an explosive device. Exemplary embodiments utilize automated targeting of EMR sources for precise modification of explosions with standardized and predictable effects.

An electrically powered device is secured to the exterior surface of a handgun-mounted laser sight. The powered device includes a housing with two parallel arms that receive between them the laser sight housing. An plug on the inside surface of one arm enters and engages with a battery cavity in the housing to create a physical interference and connection between the powered device and the laser sight device housing. The plug includes electrical circuit elements to electrically connect the powered device to a battery within the cavity. The powered device is powered by connection with a battery contained in the laser sight device to which it is mounted.

An electrically powered device is secured to the exterior surface of a handgun-mounted laser sight. The powered device includes a housing with two parallel arms that receive between them the laser sight housing. An plug on the inside surface of one arm enters and engages with a battery cavity in the housing to create a physical interference and connection between the powered device and the laser sight device housing. The plug includes electrical circuit elements to electrically connect the powered device to a battery within the cavity. The powered device is powered by connection with a battery contained in the laser sight device to which it is mounted.

An electrically powered device is secured to the exterior surface of a handgun-mounted laser sight. The powered device includes a housing with two parallel arms that receive between them the laser sight housing. An plug on the inside surface of one arm enters and engages with a battery cavity in the housing to create a physical interference and connection between the powered device and the laser sight device housing. The plug includes electrical circuit elements to electrically connect the powered device to a battery within the cavity. The powered device is powered by connection with a battery contained in the laser sight device to which it is mounted.