(U) Advanced Laser Programs

(The effects of any budget/program decisions made since the information was collected during 1997-98 are NOT reflected in the National Security Space Road Map (NSSRM).)

Overview: (U)
(U) The overall goal of this thrust is to establish the feasibility and payoff of lasers in advanced weapon, communication, illumination, and optical counter-measure applications. Development efforts continue to address the concerns of scaling to high power, good beam quality, and high efficiency, but have recently included increased emphasis on suitability for specific classes of applications and operational environments. This has placed additional emphasis on operation in specific wavelengths bands, packaging for minimum weight and volume, and reliability and affordability in real weapon system applications. An optically-pumped 4 micron diode laser was demonstrated and is being transitioned to the numerous users for self protection applications. 

Description: (U)
(U) Under this sub-thrust the development of  advanced laser sources such as the new gas phase lasers; high repetition rate, ultra-short pulse lasers, etc., will continue.  These advanced lasers will be employed for high payoff applications where current laser source state-of-the-art fails to meet application requirements.

User Impact: (U)
(U) None.

Programmatics: (U)
(U) Concept/Technology.
	(U) IOC: 02/1996 (2QFY1996).

Related Initiatives: (U)
(U) None.

Related Requirements: (U)
(U) None.

Related Categories: (U)
(U) Laser Technology

Road Map Placements: (U)
(U) TECHNOLOGY- RDT&E.

Lead Office: (U)
(U) Air Force.

Date of Information: (U)
01 July 1997

(The effects of any budget/program decisions made since the information was collected during 1997-98 are NOT reflected in the National Security Space Road Map (NSSRM).)