Directed Energy Research

Abstract

Directed Energy Research funds 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; will demonstrate 30 kWs in FY 2017. MDA's key fiber laser investments are targeted at driving the weight per kilowatt of power in the fiber amplifier system down while increasing the individual fiber amplifier power output. MDA joined with DARPA and the Air Force to demonstrate 44 kWs in a room-sized, 40 kilogram per kilowatt configuration in FY 2015, to a packaged 7 kilograms per kilowatt 30 kW system in FY 2017.

Document Details

Document Type
Accomplishment
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2018
Source ID
34ba2740e9f9d9412767adb79feeecb7

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Defense Technology Research and Development.
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Optical Physics and Photonics.

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy

Related Documents