Sep 8 2010
A researcher at the University of Michigan has developed a new laser technology to protect helicopters from incoming missiles. Professor Mohammed Islam from the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science is currently developing advanced mid-infrared supercontinuum lasers, which could help counteract heat-seeking missiles from long distances.
Professor Islam is trying to commercialize the technology through its company, Omni Sciences. The Army and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency has awarded $1 million grant to Omni to develop a prototype model. The mid-infrared supercontinuum lasers can endure unsteady helicopter flight and their supercontinuum mode can jam the missile sensors effectively.
The mid-infrared supercontinuum lasers emit a focused beam of light from a wide wavelength range. The supercontinuum lasers are the first lasers to function in longer IR wavelengths. Heat-seeking weapons are specifically developed to detect the IR radiation emitting from the helicopter engine.
Islam stated that the broad infrared light spectrum emitted by the laser mimics the electromagnetic signature of the helicopter engine and confuses the incoming missiles. He added that the new laser device can be used in a number of military applications, however; it is specifically developed for helicopters.