The magic of relay mirrors

Edward A. Duff; Donald C. Washburn

doi:10.1117/12.567096

8 September 2004 The magic of relay mirrors

Edward A. Duff, Donald C. Washburn

Proceedings Volume 5413, Laser Systems Technology II; (2004) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.567096
Event: Defense and Security, 2004, Orlando, Florida, United States

Abstract

Laser weapon systems would be significantly enhanced with the addition of high altitude or space-borne relay mirrors. Such mirrors, operating alone with a directed energy source, or many in a series fashion, can be shown to effectively move the laser source to the last, so-called fighting mirror. This “magically” reduces the range to target and offers to enhance the performance of directed energy systems like the Airborne Laser and even ground-based or ship-based lasers. Recent development of high altitude airships will be shown to provide stationary positions for such relay mirrors thereby enabling many new and important applications for laser weapons. The technical challenges to achieve this capability are discussed.

Citation Download Citation

Edward A. Duff and Donald C. Washburn "The magic of relay mirrors", Proc. SPIE 5413, Laser Systems Technology II, (8 September 2004); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.567096

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