SCB initiator

Abstract

A detonator for high explosives initiated by mechanical impact includes a cylindrical barrel, a layer of flyer material mechanically covering the barrel at one end, and a semiconductor bridge ignitor including a pair of electrically conductive pads connected by a semiconductor bridge. The bridge is in operational contact with the layer, whereby ignition of said bridge forces a portion of the layer through the barrel to detonate the explosive. Input means are provided for igniting the semiconductor bridge ignitor.

We claim: 
     
       1. A detonator for high explosives initiated by mechanical impact, said detonator comprising: a layer of flyer material;   a substrate;   a semiconductor bridge ignitor on said substrate including a pair of electrically conductive pads connected by a semiconductor bridge, said bridge being in operational contact with said layer, whereby ignition of said bridge forces a portion of said layer through said barrel to detonate the explosive; and   input means for igniting said semiconductor bridge ignitor.   
     
     
       2. The detonator of claim 1 wherein said input means comprises: capacitor means for storing electrical energy;   switch means for switching electrical energy, said switch means having an input port connected to said capacitor, an output port connected to said semiconductor bridge ignitor, and a trigger port for receiving a trigger signal for closing said switch to fire said ignitor.   
     
     
       3. The detonator of claim 1 wherein said semiconductor bridge is highly doped. 
     
     
       4. The detonator of claim 1 further comprising a cylindrical barrel having a tubular opening extending from an output end, mechanically coupled to the explosive, to an input end adjacent said flyer material. 
     
     
       5. The detonator of claim 1 wherein said semiconductor bridge is undoped silicon and said substrate is sapphire, and further comprising: laser means for directing a laser beam onto said bridge through said substrate to reduce the impedance of said bridge prior to ignition of said input means.   
     
     
       6. A detonator for high explosives comprising: a semiconductor bridge ignitor including an pair of electrically conductive pads connected by a semiconductor bridge, said bridge being in direct contact with said explosive; and   input means for providing sufficient electrical energy to said bridge to ignite said ignitor and detonate the explosive.   
     
     
       7. The detonator of claim 6 wherein said semiconductor bridge is not doped, said detonator further comprising laser means for directing a laser beam onto said bridge to lower the impedance of said bridge.