New Applications for High Average Power Beams

Abstract

The technology base formed by the development of high 3) User interfacing-Early interfacing with possible uspeak power simulators, laser drivers, FEL's, and ICF drivers requires a project representative to clearly identify ers from the early 60's through the late 80's is being ex-needs, promote possible technology advantages, and get intended to high average power short-pulse machines with puts on limitations imposed by the users work en_ironthe capabilities of supporting new types of manufacturing ment. Early, and continual, user input would guide the processes and performing new roles in environmental overall project direction. cleanup applications. This paper discusses a process for 4) Concept feasibility analvsi,_-The concept feasibility identifying and developing possible commercial applica-analysis provides the technical review to evaluate the tions, specifically those requiring very high average power worth of the technology for the identified needs. Rough levels of hundreds of kilowatts to perhaps megawatts. We costing estimates would be included at this stage to focus will discuss specific technology requirements and give ex-on value added by the process compared to possible capital amples of application development efforts. The application and operating costs and costs of competing technologies. development work is directed at areas that can possibly 5) Feasibility experiments and demonstrations-Dembenefit from the high specific energies attainable with short onstration experiments would be done in a manner that pulse machines, addresses the key chemistry and physics issues of the spe-Introduction cific application.