An initiator apparatus (IA) for blasting, the apparatus including: a magnetic receiver for receiving a magnetic communication signal through the ground by detection of a magnetic field; a controller, in electrical communication with the magnetic receiver, for processing the magnetic communication signal to determine a command for blasting; and a light source in electrical communication with the controller for generating a light beam to initiate a light-sensitive explosive (LSE) in accordance with the command.

An initiator apparatus (IA) for blasting, the apparatus including: a magnetic receiver for receiving a magnetic communication signal through the ground by detection of a magnetic field; a controller, in electrical communication with the magnetic receiver, for processing the magnetic communication signal to determine a command for blasting; and a light source in electrical communication with the controller for generating a light beam to initiate a light-sensitive explosive (LSE) in accordance with the command.

An explosive system for fracturing an underground geologic formation adjacent to a wellbore can comprise a plurality of explosive units comprising an explosive material contained within the casing, and detonation control modules electrically coupled to the plurality of explosive units and configured to cause a power pulse to be transmitted to at least one detonator of at least one of the plurality of explosive units for detonation of the explosive material. The explosive units are configured to be positioned within a wellbore in spaced apart positions relative to one another along a string with the detonation control modules positioned adjacent to the plurality of explosive units in the wellbore, such that the axial positions of the explosive units relative to the wellbore are at least partially based on geologic properties of the geologic formation adjacent the wellbore.

A photo-ignition torch is provided including a light source configured to generate at least one of ultraviolet, visible, and infrared light. A photo-ignitable sub-micron particle mix is contained in capsule configured to receive the at least one of ultraviolet, visible, and infrared light generated by the light source or alternatively the photo-ignitable sub-micron particle mix is in direct contact with the light source. The exposure of the photo-ignitable sub-micron particle mix to the at least one of ultraviolet, visible, and infrared light initiates a photo-ignition process causing a release of burning byproducts of the photo-ignition process.

A photo-ignition torch is provided including a light source configured to generate at least one of ultraviolet, visible, and infrared light. A photo-ignitable sub-micron particle mix is contained in capsule configured to receive the at least one of ultraviolet, visible, and infrared light generated by the light source or alternatively the photo-ignitable sub-micron particle mix is in direct contact with the light source. The exposure of the photo-ignitable sub-micron particle mix to the at least one of ultraviolet, visible, and infrared light initiates a photo-ignition process causing a release of burning byproducts of the photo-ignition process.

Substituted poly(phosphazene) compounds comprising a combination of units having one or more of the structures (i) to (iii) wherein: the combination comprises R.sub.1 and R.sub.2; each R.sub.1, is independently an optionally substituted alkyl- or alkyl ether-based side chain containing an isocyanate-reactive moiety, an epoxide-reactive moiety, an amine-reactive moiety, a supramolecular noncovalent bonding moiety, or combinations thereof; and each R.sub.2 is independently an optionally substituted alkyl- or alkyl ether-based side chain containing nitro, nitramine, nitrate ester, azide, an ammonium compound moiety with energetic counter-ion, or combinations thereof. Methods of making the compounds are also described.

Substituted poly(phosphazene) compounds comprising a combination of units having one or more of the structures (i) to (iii) wherein: the combination comprises R.sub.1 and R.sub.2; each R.sub.1, is independently an optionally substituted alkyl- or alkyl ether-based side chain containing an isocyanate-reactive moiety, an epoxide-reactive moiety, an amine-reactive moiety, a supramolecular noncovalent bonding moiety, or combinations thereof; and each R.sub.2 is independently an optionally substituted alkyl- or alkyl ether-based side chain containing nitro, nitramine, nitrate ester, azide, an ammonium compound moiety with energetic counter-ion, or combinations thereof. Methods of making the compounds are also described.

Detonation control modules and detonation control circuits are provided herein. A trigger input signal can cause a detonation control module to trigger a detonator. A detonation control module can include a timing circuit, a light-producing diode such as a laser diode, an optically triggered diode, and a high-voltage capacitor. The trigger input signal can activate the timing circuit. The timing circuit can control activation of the light-producing diode. Activation of the light-producing diode illuminates and activates the optically triggered diode. The optically triggered diode can be coupled between the high-voltage capacitor and the detonator. Activation of the optically triggered diode causes a power pulse to be released from the high-voltage capacitor that triggers the detonator.

Detonation control modules and detonation control circuits are provided herein. A trigger input signal can cause a detonation control module to trigger a detonator. A detonation control module can include a timing circuit, a light-producing diode such as a laser diode, an optically triggered diode, and a high-voltage capacitor. The trigger input signal can activate the timing circuit. The timing circuit can control activation of the light-producing diode. Activation of the light-producing diode illuminates and activates the optically triggered diode. The optically triggered diode can be coupled between the high-voltage capacitor and the detonator. Activation of the optically triggered diode causes a power pulse to be released from the high-voltage capacitor that triggers the detonator.

A simultaneous ignition method for a hollow modular charge using a cluster laser according to the present invention can maximize an intensity of a laser beam per unit area radiated to a gunpowder coating part (39) by adjusting a path of the laser beam from first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth laser oscillators (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16) igniting the gunpowder coating parts (39) through one-to-one matching with unit charges Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 (31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36) having a charge inner diameter (38) as they goes away due to the linear arrangement of the unit charges Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 (31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36), thereby simultaneously igniting a plurality of lasers in a cluster-shaped combination.