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Solid State Laser
A solid-state laser is a type of laser that uses a solid material, such as a crystal or glass doped with rare-earth ions, as its gain medium to produce laser light. Unlike gas or liquid lasers, its active components are in a solid form.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
A solid-state laser (SSL) is a directed energy weapon (DEW) technology utilizing a solid-state gain medium, typically a crystal (e.g., YAG) or glass doped with active ions, to generate coherent monochromatic light when optically pumped, enabling high-power applications in military for precision strike, missile defense, and target designation.
BACKGROUND
A laser weapon is a type of directed-energy weapon (DEW) that uses lasers to inflict damage. Laser weapons are of two types: low-power laser dazzlers that blind optical systems or human eyes, and high-power lasers that can physically damage or destroy targets, such as enemy aircraft, drones, and missiles.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- SSL
- Solid-State Laser Weapon
- Crystal Laser
- Glass Laser
USAGE NOTE
In military and defense, solid-state lasers are a key component of directed energy weapons due to their robustness, compactness, and potential for high power and precision targeting.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Solid State Laser.
A global aerospace, defense, security, and advanced technologies company that is a major developer of high-energy solid-state laser systems for various military applications, including air defense, naval defense, and ground-based systems.
A leading aerospace and defense company with significant investments in directed energy weapons. RTX develops and integrates solid-state laser systems for a wide range of military platforms, including air, ground, and sea-based applications.
A major defense contractor that designs, develops, and delivers advanced solid-state laser technologies for high-energy directed energy systems across air, sea, and land domains for the U.S. military and allies.
Develops a range of advanced defense technologies, including high-energy solid-state laser systems for naval and air defense applications, such as the HELIOS system for the U.S. Navy.
Through its Phantom Works and other divisions, Boeing has been involved in the research, development, and integration of solid-state laser technologies for military applications, often collaborating with government agencies and other contractors.
A primary scientific research organization for the U.S. Air Force, AFRL conducts extensive research and development in high-energy laser technology, including solid-state lasers, for various air and space defense applications.
The corporate research laboratory for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, NRL conducts broad scientific research, including advanced solid-state laser development for naval defense systems and applications.
A global leader in lasers and photonics, Coherent develops and manufactures high-power solid-state laser components and systems that are critical to the development and integration of directed energy weapons for military and defense applications.