Perspectives on the American Physical Society Directed Energy Report

Abstract

The American Physical Society (APS) report on the Science and Technology of Directed Energy Weapons has prompted considerable public comment. In order to provide a brief summary of the report contents and the general conclusions which it has generated, as well as to indicate the range of positive and negative criticism which has resulted, the material contained herein has been assembled. Preceding a number of short extractions from various sources is a one-page description of positions which have been taken on different aspects of the report, including some SDIO perspectives. A listing of the selected material is also provided. This office fully supports informed, vigorous debate on the utility of, as well as the status and development time-table for, directed energy weapons. It is hoped that the attached information can be used as a starting point for further discussions, both classified and unclassified.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 01, 1987
Accession Number
ADA345227

Entities

Organizations

  • Ballistic Missile Defense Organization

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Chemical Lasers
  • Defense Systems
  • Detection
  • Detectors
  • Diffraction
  • Directed Energy Weapons
  • Free Electron Lasers
  • Laser Applications
  • Laser Beams
  • Lasers
  • Light (Electromagnetic Radiation)
  • Optics
  • Particle Beam Weapons
  • Particle Beams
  • Strategic Defense Initiative
  • Warning Systems
  • X Ray Lasers

Readers

  • Business Analytics
  • Strategic Security Studies
  • Technical Research and Report Writing.

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy