Frickin' Lasers
Why lasers are gaining importance for military applications
In the realm of military innovation, lasers aren't just the stuff of science fiction—they're the cutting-edge tools redefining modern warfare.
From zapping threats in mid-air to beaming power across battlefields, these photon-powered wonders are proving that sometimes, the future arrives wielding a beam of light.
Lasers have emerged as a transformative technology with diverse military applications, ranging from directed energy weapons to advanced communication systems.
One significant application is the development of directed energy (DE) weapons, which utilize focused laser beams to incapacitate or destroy targets. DE weapons offer advantages such as precision targeting, rapid engagement, and reduced collateral damage compared to conventional munitions. They hold potential for countering threats posed by drones, missiles, and other airborne or surface threats. Heck, just last week, Israel reportedly downed a Hamas rocket with its Iron Beam system. Additionally, DE weapons could serve as a cost-effective and efficient means of defense, particularly in situations requiring quick response times and accurate targeting.
Another promising use-case for lasers in the military is power beaming. This technology involves transmitting energy via laser beams to power remote sensors, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), or other equipment on the battlefield. Power beaming enables extended operational capabilities by providing a continuous and renewable energy source to remote or difficult-to-access locations. It offers the advantage of reducing the logistical burden of supplying conventional power sources, enhancing the endurance and effectiveness of deployed assets, and supporting sustained operations in remote environments. DARPA is currently doing some really incredible research into optical power beaming through its POWER program. But that’s not enough! DARPA now also wants to explore beyond line of sight power beaming, ON THE FRICKIN’ MOON!
We can also combine the long distance power beaming with solar farms in space to create space-based solar power (SBSP) systems that provide expeditionary energy capabilities providing maximum flexibility for responding to contingencies. Imagine being able to provide power within 24 hours of a disaster, instead of the sometimes weeks that it takes.
Furthermore, lasers hold significant potential for enabling long-range and secure communication systems in the military. Optical communication using lasers allows for high-bandwidth, low-latency data transmission over long distances. This technology could facilitate secure and reliable communication networks for military forces, offering increased data transfer rates and resistance to interception or jamming. Optical communication systems utilizing lasers could enhance command and control operations, enable real-time data sharing, and bolster situational awareness on the battlefield.
Beyond these prominent use-cases, lasers are being explored for various other military applications. These include countermeasures against adversary sensors, precision guidance for munitions, target designation, neutralization of threats without physical destruction, and even atmospheric monitoring and analysis for weather modification or detection of chemical or biological agents. Lasers' versatility and adaptability continue to drive research and development efforts, expanding their role in shaping the future of military technology and operations.
Now if we can just get some more lasers mounted on sharks…
Keep building!
Andrew