Aug 27 2010
High-energy lasers, a kind of directed energy weapon, are used for destroying targets from long distances. These lasers have the potential to decimate mortar rounds, rockets, artillery projectiles, and cruise missiles. However, before their use, the high-energy laser weapons need to be tested and evaluated at various test ranges. The laser beam’s distribution of energy and power must be measured precisely on a target board.
Laser Beam on Glass Target Board
Scientists from the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) have built a system that measures the spatial energy distribution and power of the laser concurrently, by directing laser ray on the glass target board. The beam diagnostic system and the glass target board, which is reusable, will help boost the high-energy laser system development.
The team of GTRI collaborated with Leon Glebov of OptiGrate, an Orlando based company, to develop the target board that has the potential to survive high-energy laser irradiation, without any change in its properties. OptiGrate’s glass board is manufactured with sodium zinc aluminum silicate glass, which is doped with fluorine, cerium, and silver.
The researchers altered the glass’ optical characteristics so that the glass board will resist damage from the laser beam. OptiGrate also developed a new mold to manufacture glass pieces measuring 4”x 4”. The target board, while testing, was placed between a laser beam and a test target. The laser beam’s irradiance profile is imaged using a remote camera. Then the images are examined to deliver a contour map that shows power density at each location hit by the laser beam.
The laser beam profiling system and the target board prototypes were shipped to the Laser Effects Test Facility of the Kirtland Air Force Base, in May 2010.