US Scientists Set Laser Record

RAY GUNS

The free-electron laser produces laser light by accelerating electrons through these cryomodules and then into a wiggler, where electrons give off photons of light. Image courtesy: Greg Adams, Jefferson Lab.

by Staff Writers
UPI Correspondent
Newport News (UPI) Nov 09, 2006
U.S. physicists have broken another record using the world's most powerful, tunable laser -- the Free-Electron Laser. The researchers at the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility in Newport News, Va., report producing a 14.2 kilowatt beam of laser light at an infrared wavelength of 1.61 microns on Oct. 30.

"This wavelength is of interest to the Navy for transmission of light through the maritime atmosphere and for material science applications," said Fred Dylla, Jefferson Lab's chief technology officer and associate director of the Free-Electron Laser Division.

He said the laser's new capabilities will enhance a wide range of applications.

"This milestone supports the Navy's vision for the ultimate development of a very high power FEL that will serve as part of a ship-based weapon system and provide precise, speed-of-light energy projection at sea," added program manager Lewis DeSandre. "The goal is to reach higher power levels that will provide persuasive evidence and support the eventual realization of FEL as a promising candidate for meeting several of the Navy's broad mission requirements and defeating 21st century threats."

Source: United Press International

RAY GUNS

ABL Beam Control Passes Tests

Washington (UPI) Oct 31, 2006
The troubled and delayed U.S. Airborne Laser program received a welcome boost last week. Lockheed Martin announced Friday that the performance of the fully integrated beam control/fire control system for the U.S. Missile Defense Agency's Airborne Laser (ABL) has been confirmed in a series of ground tests.

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