High-Power Solid-State Laser: Lethality Testing And Modeling

Abstract : We describe a high-power solid-state laser built in our laboratory and its applications to defense missions. We discuss selected target interaction experiments recently performed with this laser. These involve the irradiation of painted aluminum foils at a power of about 25 kW, in the presence of high-speed airflow. The spot sizes were large, covering the range 9-16 cm. Penetration was achieved within a few seconds, depending on the spot size. We present a numerical model which successfully describes the main experimental results.