Ultra-pure diamond crystal at the point of convergence combines multiple lasers into one superlaser
by noreply@blogger.com (brian wang) from NextBigFuture.com on (#2J27R)
In a world-leading study researchers at Macquarie University have proven a method for multiplying laser power using diamond, demonstrating that a laser similar to the Star Wars 'superlaser' may no longer remain in science fiction.
The research, published in Laser and Photonics Reviews demonstrates a concept - reminiscent of the Star Wars Death Star sci-fi laser - where the power of multiple laser beams is transferred into a single intense output beam that can be directed to the intended target.
This new laser development has real-world and high-stakes applications where high power lasers are seen as a key tool in areas such as defence.
"Researchers are developing high power lasers to combat threats to security from the increased proliferation of low-cost drones and missile technology. High power lasers are also needed in space applications including powering space vehicles and tackling the growing space junk problem that threatens satellites," said co-author Associate Professor Rich Mildren.
The key to the high-powered beam is placing an ultra-pure diamond crystal at the point of convergence, and the beam-combining is achieved in diamond by harnessing a co-operative effect of the crystal that causes intense light beams to transfer their power into a selected direction while avoiding the beam distortion problems of single laser technologies.
Laser and Photonic Reviews - Diamond-based concept for combining beams at very high average powers
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The research, published in Laser and Photonics Reviews demonstrates a concept - reminiscent of the Star Wars Death Star sci-fi laser - where the power of multiple laser beams is transferred into a single intense output beam that can be directed to the intended target.
This new laser development has real-world and high-stakes applications where high power lasers are seen as a key tool in areas such as defence.
"Researchers are developing high power lasers to combat threats to security from the increased proliferation of low-cost drones and missile technology. High power lasers are also needed in space applications including powering space vehicles and tackling the growing space junk problem that threatens satellites," said co-author Associate Professor Rich Mildren.
The key to the high-powered beam is placing an ultra-pure diamond crystal at the point of convergence, and the beam-combining is achieved in diamond by harnessing a co-operative effect of the crystal that causes intense light beams to transfer their power into a selected direction while avoiding the beam distortion problems of single laser technologies.
Laser and Photonic Reviews - Diamond-based concept for combining beams at very high average powers
Read more