Light and Sound Emission from Impact-Damaged ZnS and ZnSe Ceramics

Abstract

The results of mechanoluminescence (ML) and acoustic emission (AE) studies of the response of the ceramic materials ZnS and ZnSe to impact damage to the surface are presented. The experiment simulates the process of dust erosion of optical components made from these materials and installed on high-speed mobile carriers. A comparison of a time series of light and sound emissions showed that ML manifests two peaks approximately 50 – 200 and 150 – 200 μsec after impact, while AE occurs in a single peak near 200 μsec. This result is explained by plastic deformation of the material at the first stage of fracture and subsequent formation of microcracks.