Compact Hybrid Laser System for Threat Neutralization [in Milliseconds (not Seconds) with 100 kW Average Power & 100 GW Peak Power]

High-energy laser (HEL) architectures utilized in directed energy weapon (DEW) platforms rely upon high average power outputs and relatively slow (thermal) damage mechanisms, requiring 15+ second engagement times in practical situations. This proposal presents a new paradigm of laser engagement, leveraging rapid high intensity damage mechanisms without sacrificing average power deposition or system SWaP. Combining rapid material removal with current HEL engagement will lead to order-of-magnitude reductions in threat engagement. The proposed system will provide high-average power (>100 kW), high-peak power (>250 GW) outputs over short engagement times ( 10-100 ms) with temporally engineered transients ranging from femto- to milliseconds and near diffraction-limited beam quality. The system will be based on mature, rugged technology and maintain a compact form factor. The primary focus is minimizing engagement by exploiting efficient ablation processes.