Laser

Articles

Engineers create world’s first white laser beam

By Loren Grush, Source Nature, posted Jul 31 2015
https://theverge.com/2015/7/31/9082443/engineers-create-worlds-first-white-laser-beam

Double-barrelled 50 kW laser weapon shoots down drones and mortar rounds

By Louis Goddard, Via Engadget | Source Rheinmetall Defence, posted Dec 23 2012
https://theverge.com/2012/12/23/3794814/rheinmetall-50kw-laser-weapon
German defense contractor Rheinmetall has shown off a new two-part laser system with a combined output of 50 kW, capable of shooting down drones and intercepting mortar rounds in mid-flight. The high-energy laser (HEL) weapon consists of a 30 kW primary laser mounted on a rotating turret and a 20 kW secondary beam for targeting stationary objects. In tests conducted in late November, the beams combined to slice through a 15mm steel girder at a distance of roughly 1,000 yards, while the 30 kW laser on its own was able to intercept a drone moving at more than 110 mph.

NASA set to test laser-based space communication system

https://theverge.com/2013/8/26/4660802/nasa-testing-laser-based-space-communications-system
By Chris Welch, Source NASA | Via TechHive, posted Aug 26 2013
How do you improve bandwidth in the far reaches of outer space? Use lasers. NASA is preparing to test a new, laser-based communications system that will link up satellites in space with base stations here at home. Once that connection is made, scientists will be able to transmit data (photos, videos, etc.) at much faster rates than what’s possible over traditional radio waves. Six times faster, to be specific.

Laser charging gives Lockheed Martin’s Stalker drone ‘practically unlimited’ flight time

By Evan Rodgers, Source Lockheed Martin | Via Slashdot and sUAS News, posted Jul 12 2012
https://theverge.com/2012/7/12/3154543/lockheed-martin-stalker-drone-48-hour-laser-power
Lockheed Martin, with the assistance of LaserMotive, demonstrated its Stalker drone flying for a continuous 48 using a laser-based charging system