Technical challenges for the future of high energy lasers

K. N. LaFortune; R. L. Hurd; S. N. Fochs; M. D. Rotter; P. H. Pax; R. L. Combs; S. S. Olivier; J. M. Brase; R. M. Yamamoto

doi:10.1117/12.701306

14 February 2007 Technical challenges for the future of high energy lasers

K. N. LaFortune, R. L. Hurd, S. N. Fochs, M. D. Rotter, P. H. Pax, R. L. Combs, S. S. Olivier, J. M. Brase, R. M. Yamamoto

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 6454, High Energy/Average Power Lasers and Intense Beam Applications; 64540O (2007) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.701306
Event: Lasers and Applications in Science and Engineering, 2007, San Jose, California, United States

Abstract

The Solid-State, Heat-Capacity Laser (SSHCL) program at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is a multi-generation laser development effort scalable to the megawatt power levels with current performance approaching 100 kilowatts. This program is one of many designed to harness the power of lasers for use as directed energy weapons. There are many hurdles common to all of these programs that must be overcome to make the technology viable. There will be a in-depth discussion of the general issues facing state-of-the-art high energy lasers and paths to their resolution. Despite the relative simplicity of the SSHCL design, many challenges have been uncovered in the implementation of this particular system. An overview of these and their resolution are discussed. The overall system design of the SSHCL, technological strengths and weaknesses, and most recent experimental results will be presented.

Citation Download Citation

K. N. LaFortune, R. L. Hurd, S. N. Fochs, M. D. Rotter, P. H. Pax, R. L. Combs, S. S. Olivier, J. M. Brase, and R. M. Yamamoto "Technical challenges for the future of high energy lasers", Proc. SPIE 6454, High Energy/Average Power Lasers and Intense Beam Applications, 64540O (14 February 2007); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.701306

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available