Measurement of Laser Ablation Micro Impulse Using the Torsion Pendulum Interferometry

A method is described for measuring the micro impulse induced by the laser ablation. This method is based upon the torsion pendulum interferometry technique. The method measures the micro impulse through the detection of the swinging angle of torsion pendulum. The swinging angle is obtained by the laser differential interferometry. For the 10-4~10-7 magnitude micro-impulse, It could be the important measurement method in the research of micro laser plasma thruster (mLPT). The results of some preliminary experiments are presented with detailed reference to experiment methodology and accuracy. The measurement technique is well suited to cases seeking the measurement of mN×s magnitude micro-impulse.