Directed Energy Research
Abstract
Directed Energy Research funded two promising laser technologies: LLNL's DPAL and MIT/LL's FCL. Each technology takes a unique approach to attaining high power. The DPAL scales in power by increasing the size of a single laser gain cell. This approach has the benefit of simplicity of design, but must address very high energy levels within the single cell. LLNL successfully demonstrated over 16 kilowatts (kW) in FY 2016. MDAs key fiber laser investments are targeted at driving the weight per kW of power in the fiber amplifier system down while increasing the individual fiber amplifier power output. MDA joined with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and the USAF to demonstrate 44 kWs in a room-sized, 40 kilogram per kW configuration in FY 2015, to a packaged 7 kilograms per kW, 30 kW system in FY 2018. Specific and/or unique accomplishments to each FY are as follows:
Document Details
- Document Type
- Accomplishment
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2020
- Source ID
- 18b676dce5b202780bbd874c48440db4
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