Pulsed Power for High Energy Laser Applications

The US Navy and to a larger extent the Department of Defense has multiple needs for compact, rugged, efficient, reliable, long life, and high performance pulsed power systems for Directed Energy applications such as High Energy Lasers (HEL) and High Power Microwave (HMP) sources. The objective of this proposed effort is to significantly reduce the size and weight, and improve the efficiency of pulsed power systems for flashlamp pumped Nd:Glass HEL applications, suitable for operation as a pod-contained payload supporting operation in the next generation of tactical aircraft laser weapons.The final system requirements indicate that over an order of magnitude improvement in size, weight and power (SWaP) from the current laboratory laser system will be necessary. Achieving these goals will require a paradigm shift in the pulse power technology. This paradigm shift must come from the basic components used in the pulse power system which include capacitors, high voltage switches, and inductors, as well as laser efficiency improvement due to pump chamber design.