https://sputnikglobe.com/20230927/how-laser-weapons-work-1113652558.html

How Laser Weapons Work

How Laser Weapons Work

Sputnik International

Laser weapon systems mark an ingenious shift in modern warfare, with continuous research and warfare prospects shaping their deployment. Integrating laser weapons poses challenges, from technical to strategic. Yet progress is evident, as armed forces worldwide are pursuing their development for military integration.

2023-09-27T13:05+0000

2023-09-27T13:05+0000

2023-09-27T13:34+0000

military

university of new mexico (unm)

sputnik

us navy

mcdonnell douglas (boeing) f/a-18c hornet

uss ponce

a-60

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The discovery of laser technology dates back to the late 1950s, but it is multifarious. A range of military applications for lasers has been identified, albeit with several limitations constraining their operational deployment.In contemporary times, armed forces in numerous nations regularly employ extensive laser equipment, including range finders and designators, says Professor Bahman Zohuri, a laser expert at the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of New Mexico.The laser expert explained that in several countries, efforts are underway to develop innovative laser weaponry concepts tailored to meet stringent, yet finely tuned, military specifications. The unique attributes of a designated target serve as a fundamental guide in crafting the design of each laser weapon system. Laser-based weaponry demands precision in its application, contingent upon the nature of the intended target. A high-energy laser with a power output measuring in the megawatts is imperative to effectively counter robust adversaries like airplanes, helicopters, missiles, or tanks. Such a caliber of laser delineates it as a bona fide anti-material weapon, adept at delivering decisive blows. Conversely, when aiming to incapacitate or impair sensitive electro-optical or sensor systems, the choice pivots towards a low-energy laser, finely tuned to the target sensor's frequency spectrum.Sputnik explains the laser phenomenon, highlighting what it is made of, how it became weaponized, what makes it different from other weapon systems, and several other pertinent aspects.What is a Laser?A laser, which stands for "Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation," is a device that produces a highly concentrated, coherent, and monochromatic beam of light. This is achieved through a process known as stimulated emission. Through current-induced excitation, photons or light particles generate energy in the form of concentrated light. This concentrated light merges into a defined beam, thereby giving rise to the phenomenon known as a laser beam.Science Behind Laser WeaponsIn light emission, lasers hold a unique status as an artificial innovation. In stark contrast to naturally occurring light sources, the source of lasers lies in human-engineered processes. The hallmark of lasers lies in their capacity to project a tightly focused beam of light, characterized by a striking uniformity in wavelength among all constituent waves.Laser technology encompasses a diverse range of mediums, which can be characterized as solid, liquid, or gaseous. In high-energy laser applications, molecular gases are often the medium of choice.At the core of laser functionality lies the synchronized propagation of light waves, wherein their peaks harmoniously align. This fundamental trait underpins the extraordinary qualities of laser beams: their exceptional narrowness, luminosity, and the ability to focus precisely on a minute area.A laser is distinguished by its capacity to emit a concentrated stream of electromagnetic waves, displaying perfect alignment in frequency, phase, and directional trajectory – a state known as coherence. Fundamentally, the luminous potency of a laser is boundless, yet its actual capacity hinges on the dimensions of the laser apparatus and the intrinsic attributes of the medium from which the organized light emanates, according to former MIT nuclear physicist Kosta Tsipis.The principle behind lasers lies in activating atoms to an elevated energy state. This state of heightened energy, known as "excitation," can be triggered by a brief exposure to light, controlled atom collisions, or the infusion of an electrical charge.When an atom at a "ground state" (low energy level) absorbs a substantial amount of energy, it enters an "excited state" (high energy level). Once excited, atoms naturally revert to their lower-energy ground state. This transition releases excess energy in the form of a photon, which is a fundamental unit of light.By directing additional energy towards an already stimulated atom, it reverts to a lower-energy state, emitting two identical photons characterized by matching color, energy level, and trajectory. A laser's functionality is intricately linked to the unique interplay between photons and matter. When a photon released by one excited molecule collides with another molecule in the same excited state, the second molecule can emit an additional photon with matching phase and frequency. This sets off a chain reaction, as both photons trigger similar emissions from other molecules. This leads to a rapid increase in identical photons moving through the collection of molecules.Components of a Laser Weapon"Stimulated emission" serves as the mainstay of laser operation. To develop the requisite essentials for this phenomenon, lasers encompass three vital functional components, each playing a crucial role in their overall design. These include:Source: Coherent.comSource: Coherent.comLaser Targeting and Tracking SystemsA laser targeting system guides a laser ray with unparalleled accuracy toward a predefined target. This feat is accomplished by seamlessly integrating sensors, optical components, and intricate computational algorithms, resulting in pinpoint accuracy.Precision targeting and tracking systems constitute vital elements of laser weaponry. Their primary role lies in guaranteeing the accurate delivery of the laser beam to its assigned intent. Below is an in-depth explanation of the functioning of these mechanisms.Targeting SystemsTracking SystemsCharacteristics of a LaserLasers now stand as essential instruments across a wide array of applications. Their working principles and structure provide laser beam attributes that stand unpaired by any other technology.Source: Coherent.comWeaponizing LasersLaser technology is widely portrayed as a potent tool, often envisioned as emanating from a handheld laser gun capable of obliterating enemy forces and military hardware during combat operations, leveling buildings, etc. In practical terms, lasers are instruments with numerous military applications and the potential for terminal use. Yet it's imperative to understand that lasers do have defined impediments.The main thing that decides what features a laser system needs is the effect it is supposed to have on the target. How well the laser weapon works on a particular target affects how one makes and uses cost-effective weapons for military application.The responsiveness of the target to laser beams is the primary determinant in selecting between a low-energy and high-energy laser weapon system. In cases where the target exhibits ample responsiveness to lower energy levels within a broad spectrum band, it lays the foundation for the design and scalable production of an economically feasible laser weapon. The imperative for high energy levels markedly reduces the potential for crafting a usable and budget-friendly laser weapon.Hence, the efficacy of a laser beam in inducing mechanical harm hinges on factors such as pulse duration, beam power, atmospheric pressure, wavelength, composition, and the target’s surface texture.When considering military applications, the high-energy laser emerges as the favored choice, due to its distinctive strategic advantages. These encompass the capacity to hollow out metal plates of considerable thickness, its propagation at the speed of light (about 300 million meters per second) - leaving no room for evasion or interception, and its aptitude for neutralizing enemy air defense systems, as well as providing an impervious defense against cruise missile threats by determining the precise position of a target missile within a range equivalent to its shortest dimension demands an equally exact alignment of the laser.Precision in penetrating the metallic exterior of an aircraft necessitates an approximate energy output of 700 joules per square centimeter (J/cm2). It is pivotal to underscore that creating an aperture in the aircraft's hull may not yield the desired result of in-air incapacitation or a catastrophic crash. A more practical estimate for the requisite energy level to disable an aircraft would range from five to ten times higher, mandating a delivery of no less than 5,000 to 10,000 J/cm2 by a proficient high-energy laser weapon onto the designated target. Moreover, it is pertinent to note that an HEL weapon has the potential to initiate an explosion within the ammunition carried by an assailant in flight.High-Energy Laser (HEL) Weapon ConceptsGround-based laser (GBL) weapon systems are military technologies that use powerful lasers mounted on land-based platforms to engage and potentially destroy or disable targets. These systems utilize focused beams of light to deliver energy over long distances, with the intent of causing damage to or neutralizing enemy assets.GBL systems have been a subject of research and development by various military establishments worldwide. They have been tested in multiple capacities for missile defense, anti-drone systems, and potential use against ground-based targets. However, technological advancements have led to further developments in this field.Sources: 1Wikipedia 2Air Force Technology, 3Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd.Sea-based laser (SBL) weapon systems stand as a testament to contemporary military advancement, utilizing high-powered lasers on maritime military equipment like ships and submarines. Their primary objective is to engage and, if required, incapacitate or neutralize targets at sea or within the aerial sphere.Sea-based laser systems are typically designed to address threats specific to maritime environments, such as hostile aircraft, drones, small boats, and potentially even incoming missiles. They can enhance a ship's defensive capabilities and contribute to layered maritime defense strategies.Sources: 1Wired.com, 2Lockheed Martin, 3Globalsecurity.orgAirborne laser (ABL) weapon systems exemplify cutting-edge military capabilities, deploying high-powered lasers on airborne platforms like aircraft and drones. Their primary objective is to engage and, if required, incapacitate targets in both aerial and ground-based settings.Air-based laser systems were invented to decimate airborne threats, encompassing enemy aircraft, drones, and potentially even ballistic missiles. These systems are vital to defense strategies amid multifaceted and evolving operational contexts.Sources: 1Air Force Technology 2MilitaryRussia.ruTechnical Challenges and Limitations of Laser Weapons As a new technology adapted for military use, laser weapons possess challenges and limitations that limit their capability when deployed for military purposes.Evolving laser technology demands substantial research, development, and comprehensive testing resources. Balancing innovation with fiscal prudence is crucial. Producing and maintaining laser weapons requires a significant financial commitment, potentially posing a barrier to their widespread implementation.Harnessing the immense power needed for high-performance lasers poses a challenge to the energy infrastructure of carrying platforms. Engineers are striving to minimize waste heat and maximize energy conversion for optimal laser performance.Ensuring that laser mediums, encompassing substances like specialized crystals or gases, remain resilient under the strain of high-intensity laser operation is paramount to sustained performance.The atmosphere assimilates a significant proportion of a laser beam's energy. This absorption initiates a process where heated air expands, carving out a channel of lower air density. The inclination of light waves to deflect from hotter, less dense areas in a medium leads to beam divergence. This optical phenomenon, termed thermal blooming, frequently contributes to the defocusing and separating of laser beams in air. Also, adverse weather conditions like fog, rain, and snow can further attenuate or scatter the laser beam, making targeting difficult.Achieving accurate simulations of battlefield conditions for laser weapon testing is a complex endeavor that relies on sophisticated facilities and methodologies.Role of Laser Weapons in Future WarfareLaser weapons represent a transformative advancement in warfare, offering unparalleled precision in targeting and reducing collateral damage. They can serve as highly effective countermeasures against fast-moving threats like missiles and drones. Additionally, laser weapons could revolutionize anti-swarm tactics and enhance defenses for critical infrastructure. Their silent and invisible nature provides a stealth advantage, and their continuous engagement capability reduces logistical burdens.Integration with AI and autonomous systems and adaptability for various roles further amplify their potential impact. While ongoing research and ethical considerations will shape their deployment, laser weapons are poised to influence warfare's future significantly.

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2023

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