White Paper: Photonics/Optics
Stable Directed Energy Weapons Start with Qualified Laser Sources
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Ongoing use of the laser has broadened the horizon of aerospace and defense capabilities by enabling the warfighter and through additive manufacturing processes that result in components that were previously difficult or impossible to create. Getting laser systems to this point has challenged laser engineers. Applying high power KW and MW levels of laser light results in a unique set of thermal problems during design of the components used in the laser sources and for the systems in which they are integrated.
When developing a high-quality, high power laser source for such systems, there are many factors that must be considered, including which laser characteristics are measured, monitored, and verified. Here we look at the life cycle of these laser sources and how the different measurements yield high-quality laser systems.
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Overview
This document, "Stable Directed Energy Weapons Start with Qualified Laser Sources," authored by John McCauley of MKS Ophir, explores the critical role of high-quality laser sources in the reliability and efficiency of directed energy weapons (DEWs) and industrial laser systems.
The article begins by highlighting the evolution of laser technology from science fiction to practical defense and manufacturing applications. Modern laser weapons systems aim to achieve output powers of up to 3 megawatts by 2030, presenting unique engineering challenges, especially thermal management within laser components. High-quality, stable laser sources are foundational to overcoming these challenges, ensuring system durability, reliability, and lower maintenance costs.
Central to the development and deployment of these lasers are three key performance measurements: laser power or energy, beam profile, and beam propagation (M2). Laser power quantifies the energy delivered to the target, with distinctions made between continuous-wave (CW) power and pulsed average power for precision applications. Beam profiling captures the spatial distribution and shape of the laser beam—such as Gaussian or Tophat—and monitors properties like beam size, roundness, and focus stability, which are influenced by thermal effects. The M2 value, an ISO standard, assesses the beam's ability to focus, with single-mode lasers approaching the ideal value of 1, and multi-mode lasers ranging higher.
After defining laser characteristics, the document discusses system integration, emphasizing that laser performance must be established at peak efficiency through baseline measurements. This baseline is crucial for maintenance and troubleshooting, allowing for the prediction of degradation and timely corrective actions. Directed energy weapons and industrial laser systems operate in harsh environments where the laser's power density—dependent on power and focused beam size—must remain consistent for effective material interaction.
Concluding, McCauley stresses that despite physical degradation over time, beginning with a proven, durable laser source measured to industry standards ensures long-term system performance. Consistent monitoring of laser power and beam parameters during design, commissioning, and active use supports ongoing reliability. Overall, advancements in laser technology are transforming defense and manufacturing industries by enabling powerful, precise, and stable laser applications.
For further resources, MKS Ophir provides extensive white papers, videos, and product information to support users in directed energy and laser applications.