Lasers in Defence

Abstract

Abstract: The development and usage of laser technology in fields such as defence, law enforcement, communication, and defence have had a major impact on the law enforcement sector. The idea of Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation (LASER) was conceived in 1957, but it wasn't until 1960 that Theodore H. Maiman built the first practical application of the technology. In addition to its high coherence and intensity, laser illumination is also distinguished by its spatial coherence, enabling light pulses on the femtosecond timescale. It finds use in various disciplines, including holography, the space sciences, spectroscopy, medicine, microelectronics, power electronics, industrial engineering, and even directed energy weaponry. Laser target markers and beam riders are the most common methods for accurately controlling LGW towards ground objects. Recent advances in laser technology are intensively investigated for their potential use in target indicators and range finders. There has been an increase in the usage of lasers in recent years, with several new services in fields as diverse as commerce, industry, medicine, science, technology, and even the military. Applications like range finders, target designators, power beamers, LIDARs, and long-range, high-speed, secure communication systems have the potential to completely alter the face of combat. India's laser R&D centres are working on various laser systems and their supporting components and materials for use in directed energy applications. Laser crosslinks are a technology that can maintain data speeds in the tens of gigabits, and they give higher bit rates with decreased bit error rates owing to their small wavelengths.