Harnessing Light: Laser/Satellite Relay Mirror Systems and Deterrence in 2035

Abstract

Directed energy weapons represent a potential revolution in military capabilities for tomorrows warfighters. Lasers are already used for making precise measurements, cutting, communications, and power transmission. At higher power levels, lasers have the potential to be formidable weapons, both lethal and non-lethal. In recent years, the U.S. has made several advances in high-powered laser technology, producing a megawatt-class laser, with several other countries not far behind.1

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 16, 2010
Accession Number
AD1018554

Entities

People

  • Michael J. Stephens

Organizations

  • Air War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Air Force Research Laboratories
  • Aircrafts
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Chemical Lasers
  • Chemical Oxygen Iodine Lasers
  • Directed Energy Weapons
  • Free Electron Lasers
  • Laser Beams
  • Lasers
  • Light (Electromagnetic Radiation)
  • Military Operations
  • Space Debris
  • Space Surveillance
  • Space Systems
  • Strategic Defense Initiative
  • War Colleges

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Electrical Engineering
  • Joint Military Operations and Doctrine.
  • Pulsed Power and Plasma Physics.

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy
  • Space