Volume Holographic Generation of Diffraction-Free Directed Energy Beam

Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes a novel approach to directed energy systems based on high efficiency holographic generation of diffraction-free beams. Diffraction-free beams are not subject to transverse spreading (diffraction), in sharp contrast with the currently used Gaussian-profile directed energy beams which undergo significant spreading along the propagation direction. POC's approach is to first generate the diffraction-free beam with the conventional slit-lens method, and then record the interference pattern of the diffraction-free beam and a Gaussian beam as a volume phase hologram using POC's proprietary volume holographic technology. When such a volume hologram is illuminated by a Gaussian beanm from a directed energy laser, it converts most of the incident light into a diffraction-free beam. Using POC's volume holographic technology, the conversion efficiency can potentially reach 99%, significantly better than existing methods. If the proposed research is successful, the practical use of diffraction-free beams can become possible. Such beams provide energy transport efficiency several orders of magnitude higher than Gaussian beams, and can give rise to a new generation of directed energy systems featuring ultrahigh energy transport efficiency, low energy budget, lower cost beam control equipment, and real-time capability.