Abstract : Laser and radiative ignition of 24 solid propellants and explosives was analyzed. The effect of ignition criterion used to calculate ignition delays from models was evaluated. Values for the optical parameters reflection, R(lambda) and absorption, k(lambda) coefficients at wavelengths 0.36-1, 1.06 and 10.6 microns were summarized. Effects of in-depth absorption and vaporization were considered. Methods for determining the relation of ignition delays for conductive heating (R(lambda) = 1, k(lambda) = infinity) and radiative heating at various wavelengths were developed. Methods for deriving kinetic parameters for the ignition and vaporization mechanisms were developed. Changes in the ignition mechanism at high radiative power/flux are discussed. A summary of the minimum flux levels needed for ignition and the Arrhenius kinetic parameters determined from ignition delay measurements with several energetic materials is presented.