Lightweight Low Contamination Laser Beam Dump

This SBIR project is developing laser beam dumps suitable for mobile high-energy laser (HEL) applications. The approach uses novel lightweight refractory-fiber absorber plate materials that have large surface area accessible to the laser beam. The material can be radiation cooled or integrated with high-heat-flux composite thermal storage materials for passive thermal management. Phase 1 designed beam dumps for power densities and durations of relevance to HEL applications. Materials were demonstrated and a benchtop HEL beam dump consisting of a carbon-carbon absorber plate (0.3 kg) was fabricated for a DoD HEL test facility. Data demonstrated outstanding low reflectivity and high ablation resistance. HEL applications for laboratory, ground test, and flight vehicle systems were identified. Phase 2 will further develop materials and processing for lower reflectivity, higher ablation resistance, higher power capability, and longer service life. Lightweight thermal management options will be illustrated at relevant flux levels. A beam dump test article for a selected application of interest to the ABL SPO will be designed, fabricated, and characterized in a HEL facility. We will design a full scale Engineering Prototype Beam Dump that meets radiant, thermal, and structural requirements of a selected DoD application.