PH4858 Directed Energy Weapons
This course teaches the physics and engineering concepts underlying directed energy (DE) weapons. Topics include an introduction to laser physics, history of DE, advantages/disadvantages of DE, types of DE technologies, output power requirements for different missions, current Navy and DoD programs, target damage mechanisms, beam propagation through the atmosphere, thermal blooming, power and cooling considerations, and beam control. Where appropriate, both high energy lasers and high power microwave technologies will be discussed. The course will include modeling of the propagation of a high energy laser beam through the atmosphere and of damage effects.
Prerequisite
PC2911 or familiarity with MATLAB.
PH3352 or permission of the instructor.
Lecture Hours
4
Lab Hours
1