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Compact Laser Cannon

This description contains self-interested claims that have not been independently verified.

The Synchronized Photo-pulse Detonation method is based on Dr. Igor Nebtsev's research and development efforts with Yuri Raizer. The experiments proved Yuri Raizer's, idea of a double laser pulse, where the force or shock wave generated from the laserplasma can be used as an energy projectile. The SPD method uses 2 synchronized laser pulses to create a Laser Supported Detonation Wave (LSDW) in a mixture of target vapors and atmospheric air. The first pulse creates an ignition plasma spark (in a mixture of air and target vapors), while the second (higher powered) pulse serves to create and support a shock wave from the heated plasma. This shock wave heats the surrounding air layer (mixture of air and target vapors) so that it begins to absorb the laser beam and to create from itself the next plasma layer with the formation of a new shock wave. SPD can be accomplished not only with chemical lasers but also by any other pulse lasers: for example, solid-state YAG-Nd lasers, CO2 and etc.

Stellar Photonics propose two innovative Compact Laser Cannons (Solid State & Chemical); bringing the power of Star Wars technology to the field, providing the needed heavy punch capability to the SOF at a relative low cost.These systems would be portable and lightweight; the battery operated solid state laser system would be comparable in size to the Armbrust and Dragon anti-tank systems, while the chemical laser system would be smaller, comparable in size to the FN - F2000or the ATK/HK - OICW (Objective Individual Combat Weapon) System.The man-portable SPD LSDW weapons system is expected to be lethal in the range of 1-5 miles, due to the fact that no sharp focusing of the laser beam is required. Therefore, it is capable of engaging both short and long ranged targets of any kind, greatly increasing the engagement area of current assault riffles.

The same system can also be used in non-lethal area denial to personnel applications. A pulse laser force field (shock wave) can be initiated instantaneously to prevent personnel from restricted areas. The strength of the pulse can be controlled pending these 5 variables: Power level, cartridge type, time delay, accelerator strength, and beam diameter. Past experiments with chemical lasers have shown that more than 5,000+ Joules of energy can be generated during a 1 microsecond pulse by using only 0.04m3 active volume of HF. So in order to achieve pulse energy ranging from 100 Joules to 1000 Joules, only 0.08cm3 to 0.08mm3 active volume of HF will be needed.

Successful completion of SBIR Phase I involved production of the following assets: Materials and components research and development that is consistent with the current miniaturization efforts. Reliable data describing the effectiveness and strength of different battery and charging systems for use with solid state lasers. This would give the charging time per shot, duration of pulses, energy lost, and pulses per battery. Efficiency data on different solid state laser rods and flash lamp systems. This would be data on various, Ruby, YAG, Neodymium Glass and other solid state laser systems. Research analysis on optical control and focusing systems to be used in both solid state and chemical laser weapon systems. Research on chemical mix and flow forming technologies, along with nozzle material & unit shielding requirements.

Reliable data describing the effectiveness and difference between that of Laser Supported Detonation Wave (LSDW) verses Laser Supported Combustion Wave (LSCW). A highly effective pulse timing algorithm for the Synchronized Photo-pulse Detonation (SPD) method with respect to target distance, velocity, size and force generation. An optimal laser shock wave algorithm for the laser Supported Detonation Wave (LSDW) with respect to bean diameter, projected distance, and force of shock wave. A proprietary, highly effective and efficient formula (ratios) of HF chemical mixture to be used as fuel for the chemical laser weapon system. The preliminary designs of a small power solid state and chemical laser weapon system that can be eventually mass produced. Preliminary designs of a compact chemical cartridge that over comes the time delay in the discharge and refill of mixtures in the laser cavity in between initiations and the handling (manufacturing, shipping, and storage) of the volatile chemical mixture.