Military and Defense Lasers
By nature, many of our defense laser applications are not able to be publicly shared. If interested in a custom laser, please contact our sales team sales@megawattlasers.com
Remote Sensing
Flashlamp-pumped solid-state lasers are used in remote sensing to transmit high-energy optical pulses toward distant surfaces, objects, or atmospheric regions and analyze the returned signal. Their high pulse energies allow measurements to be performed over extended distances and under challenging environmental conditions. These eye safe laser wavelengths create a short, high energy pulse capable of traveling long distances with relatively low divergence. Our current revision of this module is the ER902 package.
For more information see 1.5 micron lasers
Chemical and Biological Detection (CBD)
Laser based chemical and biological detection systems can remotely analyze materials, aerosols or atmospheric constituents by analyzing the optical response to the laser illumination. Techniques such as fluorescence, Raman spectroscopy, and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) can provide information about the composition of a target. High-energy pulsed solid-state lasers are particularly useful when strong optical signals must be generated from small quantities of material or at significant stand-off distances.
Ignition of Ordnance and Pyrotechnics
High-energy pulsed solid-state lasers can provide a controlled optical energy source for the remote or precisely timed initiation of specially designed energetic and pyrotechnic systems. Laser-based initiation can provide electrical isolation and precise timing while allowing the energy source to be separated from the initiation point. Such systems are used in specialized defense, aerospace, research, and testing environments where controlled optical initiation is advantageous.
Neutralization of Ordnance
High-energy lasers have been investigated and developed for remote ordnance neutralization, where concentrated optical energy is applied from a safe distance to disable or initiate controlled reactions in hazardous objects. The high pulse energy and peak power available from certain solid-state laser systems make them useful for research and specialized applications requiring remotely delivered energy while minimizing personnel exposure to hazardous areas.
Plasma Switching High Power Microwave
High-energy pulsed solid-state lasers can be used to generate and control laser-induced plasmas that function as extremely fast switching elements in specialized high-power electrical and microwave systems. By focusing a sufficiently intense laser pulse into an appropriate medium, a rapidly formed plasma can provide a temporary conductive path or trigger another switching mechanism. These systems are primarily associated with advanced defense, pulsed-power, and high-power microwave research where precise timing and rapid switching are required.