A Methodology for the Development of a Coupling Model for High Energy Laser Interactions With Metals
Abstract
Future Combat Systems are actively considering the use of a high-energy laser (HEL) for various missions. The laser of choice for this mission is likely to be a solid-state laser operating in the one micron wavelength region. Accordingly, lethality studies are underway to assess the utility of these HELs. The potential for dramatic increases in kill efficiency, as a function of various weapons parameters will be an important input to the selection and development of supporting technologies for an HEL weapon. Accordingly, the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command (SMDC) is actively investigating the development of a model for the kill efficiency. This paper will report on the initial phase of this study and emphasizes the methodology for the development of a coupling model for materials of interest to the Army. Using continuous wave (CW) lasers operating at various powers and wavelengths as a source of data, a methodology is developed for inverting the non-linear partial differential equation solution for laser interaction with metals. Experimental studies of this laser interaction with metals has been performed using the 100kW CO2 Laser at the Laser Hardened Materials Evaluation Laboratory (LHMEL) and the 20 KW solid state fiber laser at the Air Force Research Laboratory located at Kirtland Air Force Base. These experiments included a variety of tests and extensive diagnostics operating at infrared and visible wavelengths. The methodology for developing a coupling model is derived analytically and comparison with experimental data is illustrated.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA481679
Entities
People
- Chuck Lamar
Organizations
- United States Army Space and Missile Defense Command