Prospects for laser DEW

Abstract

This paper considers the development of high-power laser-DEW systems required to achieve significant effects on potential targets. The emphasis is on the progress with the technology and systems required to support the out-of-band approach needed to achieve a robust defeat mechanism; various laser-induced effects are discussed. The advantages and disadvantages of laser-based directedenergy weapon (DEW) systems will be reviewed.Evolution of laser-source technology is reviewed, with a particular emphasis on modern approaches such as the various novel-source investigations, including fibre-bundle devices. The paper discusses some of the research studies that are underway that may make this type of laser-weapon system viable.Some of the challenges currently faced by laser-based DEW systems are considered in this paper.

High power triple clad fiber combiner and its application for the power scaling of 2.1 µm Ho3+-doped fiber lasers pumped at 1.9 µm

“…Monolithic 2 µm fiber lasers emitting high continuous wave (CW) optical powers are interesting sources of laser radiation as their emission wavelength coincides with the atmospheric transmission window located beyond 2 µm. These high-power laser sources allow to address civil and military applications such as gas detection, wind mapping or laser weapons to name just a few examples 1 .…”