Harnessing Light

<p>Directed energy weapons represent a potential revolution in military capabilities for tomorrow's warfighters as well as a threat to the U.S. High-powered lasers have the potential to be formidable weapons both lethal and non-lethal. In recent years the U.S. has made several advances in high-energy laser technology producing a megawatt-class laser with several other countries not far behind. Combining lasers with space-based relay mirrors could offer the capability of transmitting a ground-based laser toward any point on the earth an orbiting satellite or a ballistic missile in flight. By the year 2035 several nations will likely have developed this capability which will significantly affect U.S. national security. This paper examines the threat of laser/relay mirror systems and recommends actions the U.S. should take to protect itself from a high-powered laser attack as well as deterring hostile nations from employing such a system.</p><p>This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore you will see the original copyright references library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world) and other notations in the work.</p><p>This work is in the public domain in the United States of America and possibly other nations. Within the United States you may freely copy and distribute this work as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.</p><p>As a reproduction of a historical artifact this work may contain missing or blurred pages poor pictures errant marks etc. Scholars believe and we concur that this work is important enough to be preserved reproduced and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.</p>