Evaluation of high-power blue laser technology for defense applications

Mark S. Zediker; Andrew Motes; Jim Davis

doi:10.1117/12.2588223

12 April 2021 Evaluation of high-power blue laser technology for defense applications

Mark S. Zediker, Andrew Motes, Jim Davis

Proceedings Volume 11724, Laser Technology for Defense and Security XVI; 117240A (2021) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2588223
Event: SPIE Defense + Commercial Sensing, 2021, Online Only

Abstract

The blue laser diode technology that is now emerging as the next generation high power laser source when evaluated at the system level has several distinct advantages over the infrared lasers making it an interesting candidate for high power laser development. Blue laser diodes are capable of operating at high temperatures (80C) which is a major advantage when determining the system’s size weight and power, and the shorter wavelength has a higher absorption characteristic than the infrared on all materials reducing the energy on target required to destroy the target. There are two main issues associated with using a high-power blue laser as a directed energy weapon, 1) the atmospheric transmission is challenging, especially at sea level and 2) the blue wavelength is not considered an eye safe wavelength. This paper will address the maturity of the blue laser technology, what the system operating parameters would be and the system performance under a range of atmospheric conditions. Initial studies indicate that a blue laser weapon system will indeed be very effective under a wide range of operating conditions.

Conference Presentation

Citation Download Citation

Mark S. Zediker, Andrew Motes, and Jim Davis "Evaluation of high-power blue laser technology for defense applications", Proc. SPIE 11724, Laser Technology for Defense and Security XVI, 117240A (12 April 2021); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2588223

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