High Energy Laser Research

The High Energy Laser Research program, managed by the Office of the Secretary of Defense, is dedicated to advancing directed energy technologies to enhance defense capabilities. Its primary objectives include developing directed energy sources, improving beam control and propagation, and understanding lethality and vulnerability. These efforts are conducted through the Joint Directed Energy Transition Office, which oversees studies, investigations, and the design and development of components and subsystems. The aim is to expand the knowledge base of directed-energy technologies for future defense capabilities across various military missions.

The program highlights the potential advantages of directed energy weapon systems, such as speed-of-light targeting, high precision, and reduced logistical requirements compared to traditional munitions. These systems are envisioned to perform diverse military roles including asset protection, precision strikes, and self-protection against threats like missiles and artillery. To achieve these goals, the program supports a wide range of technologies in areas such as laser sources, microwave sources, beam-control optics, antennas, waveguides, modeling and simulation, and lethality mechanisms.

Efforts under this initiative are selected for their potential impact on multiple weapon systems and military missions while aligning with specific service needs. The program also aims to demonstrate advanced concepts for mission areas not previously considered. Coordination through the Department of Defense Science and Technology Executive Committee ensures harmonization of efforts and elimination of duplication across related projects.

Looking ahead to FY 2025, plans include modernizing antenna designs for bandwidth agility and transitioning pulsed power research from government laboratories to industry. There will also be a focus on decreasing size, weight, and power requirements for future high-power microwave weapon systems while increasing vendor participation. Collaborative efforts with national and international communities will continue to advance high energy laser and microwave technologies for military applications.