White PaperTest & Measurement
Destroy the Target, Not Everything Else: Beam Management in High-Power Directed Energy Laser Projects
SPONSORED BY: ![]()
Using high power lasers to neutralize threats is a significant advance in weapons systems. Lasers are not affected by gravity, travel without sound at the speed of light, can be controlled at lethal and non-lethal doses, and provide unlimited ammunition. But these high-power laser systems present challenges, such as susceptibility to thermal effects and safety concerns. Understanding how these issues impact the laser’s system overall system’s performance is critical to ensuring success.
Don't have an account?
Overview
The white paper discusses advancements in high-power directed energy laser systems, emphasizing their growing importance in military applications. It highlights the challenges associated with "beam management," which is crucial for ensuring safety when directing high quantities of laser light at targets. A significant concern is the potential for unintended reflections of the beam, which can pose risks to nearby personnel and equipment. To mitigate these risks, operators utilize "beam dumps," made from absorbent materials like graphite or ceramic, to safely dissipate laser energy. However, traditional beam dumps can degrade quickly, leading to safety hazards.
The paper notes that as laser technology has evolved, so have solutions for effective beam management. For instance, MKS has introduced high-power sensors capable of handling up to 150 kW, significantly improving the ability to collect and manage laser energy. These advancements are critical as laser power continues to rise, necessitating more robust and effective beam management solutions.
Additionally, the paper discusses the importance of understanding laser system behavior, particularly the impact of environmental factors on performance. The stability of the laser source is essential, but the components of the system can degrade over time, affecting overall effectiveness. Key to this understanding is the concept of laser power density, which is defined as the amount of laser light relative to the beam size. Proper management of power density is vital to ensure that the laser performs optimally without causing unintended damage.
In conclusion, the white paper emphasizes the need for continuous measurement and assessment of laser systems to enhance their design and effectiveness. As military applications of directed energy lasers expand, ensuring the safety and efficiency of these systems is paramount for protecting personnel and achieving mission success.