Scary Lasers
Posted: June 2, 2012 at 10:17 am
June 1, 2012: Editor Note: The U.S. military is backing off from efforts to deploy combat lasers because none of the development efforts has produced a practical weapon. The following is a personal account of how the search for a combat laser began half a century ago because of an unexpected early success, followed by bizarre complications.
----------------------------------
This is how the U.S. Army developed the first combat laser in the 1960s and 70s, but refused to deploy it because it was considered too cruel. It all started with the Advanced Propulsion Technology Branch of the Propulsion Directorate in the Army Missile Command at Redstone Arsenal in the 1960's. Their mission was the development of advanced propulsion concepts such as liquid monopropellants, bipropellants, hybrids, air breathing, etc. for application to Army missiles.
One morning, after a staff meeting with the army generals Dr. Walter Wharton, our supervisor, announced, "Men I've got a new and unusual project for you. It's not propulsion but needs all the technology and skills of propulsion. Here's the pitch: Over the past two years one of our army contractors has failed to demonstrate chemical lasing in a hardware device. The general asked us to take over the effort. And, if we achieved a satisfactory demonstration of the chemical laser, we would be the nucleus of a new laboratory and weapons effort. I told the general the problem was a natural fit to our skills. With the chemists, physicists, engineers, and technicians on our staff and our background in hardware development and testing we could do the job expeditiously."
The basic problem with using a laser as a weapon is power. A laser is focused light energy, being sent from the laser to the target in a short burst. Using batteries or generators and capacitors are too heavy for this to be practical. But the right combination of chemicals can provide the needed energy, at least in theory. The solution is a bit more complex.
Dr. Wharton led us in the analysis and evaluation of the contractor's effort and data. Their device used gaseous hydrogen and gaseous fluorine. The attempt at lasing was through the kinetic reaction states in the laser cavity to form the end product HF. Dr. Wharton, a skilled chemist, immediately determined the critical issue. To allow the intermediate activated molecules the time and space to lase to ground states in the laser cavity, would require supersonic injection by the mixing nozzles and very low cavity pressure. That environment would slow down the kinetics and stretch out the reaction zone allowing the species to lase.
Wharton designated me (Joe Connaughton, a chemical engineer) as team leader for chemist Tony Duncan, laser device operator, physicist Bill Friday, cavity optics and power, and mechanical engineer, Ben Wilson, facility design and development. We had top priority in obtaining hardware, shop, and other support services. In a matter of weeks we had the device set up and ready for operation. The big day came when we were ready to test. Dr. Wharton said, "Get that machine cranked up and don't stop till you get it to lasing. I'll be in the office, so call me if you have any problems or when it starts lasing."
We spent most of the day adjusting the flow of the gases and setting our liquid nitrogen trap and pumping speed. But near the end of the day, Bill Friday held a piece of strip recorder paper three feet from the cavity optics and yelled, "Hey! Look guys at me burn holes in this paper by that invisible laser beam!" We probably didn't project more than a hundred watts of power but it worked. We had an operating HF chemical laser, and we were in business. The next day was show time, which included all day demonstrations to various levels of management including the Commanding General.
We were off and running to build a ten kilowatt HF laser that would define the operating parameters for scale up to weapon grade hardware. It was a large modular boilerplate device designed for research studies. Calorimetric cavity mirrors for precise power measurements and ports for optical flow field visualization were included. The modular design allowed the evaluation and development of laser components to advance the technology of high-energy lasers.
The group quickly expanded to include PhD level scientists, who began to study all aspects of the chemical laser and extrapolate data to weapon system needs. Dr. Barry Allen, with contractor support, researched solid sources for the reactants. He found hydrides and fluorides that had reactant densities greater than the cryogenics were appropriate. He also worked on the successful development of chemical pumps that would replace the huge vacuum blow down system required to pump the boilerplate laser.
Read more from the original source:
Scary Lasers
- Getting Back On Track And Winning The Race [Last Updated On: April 7th, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 7th, 2010]
- NLP Coaching Testimonial for Michael J. Emery [Last Updated On: April 8th, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 8th, 2010]
- Chicago Motivational Speaker- How would you like an extra day in your week [Last Updated On: April 10th, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 10th, 2010]
- Create a Plan with Chrisitan Leadership and Skills Development [Last Updated On: April 13th, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 13th, 2010]
- Financial Freedom with Chrisitan Leadership and Develop Skills [Last Updated On: April 13th, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 13th, 2010]
- Prayer in Personal Chrisitan Leadership and Skills Development [Last Updated On: April 14th, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 14th, 2010]
- How to Implement Chrisitan Leadership and Skills Development [Last Updated On: April 14th, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 14th, 2010]
- The Mystery of the Broken Sunflower Stalk and Your Success [Last Updated On: April 16th, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 16th, 2010]
- FLEAs Barriers to Success for Personal Leadership [Last Updated On: April 17th, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 17th, 2010]
- Shout out! Stellar healing powers of Journey Work [Last Updated On: April 18th, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 18th, 2010]
- Winning In Life Now: How To Separate Through To A More Joyrful You [Last Updated On: April 19th, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 19th, 2010]
- You don't know what you don't know [Last Updated On: April 21st, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 21st, 2010]
- Prosper Now Business Seminar Long Beach Craig Duswalt [Last Updated On: April 21st, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 21st, 2010]
- Fox and Rabbit Story, Personal Development Building Confidence [Last Updated On: April 22nd, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 22nd, 2010]
- Self Help Online Personal Development Program of Miiionaires [Last Updated On: April 22nd, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 22nd, 2010]
- Chicago Personal Development Speaker - How To Cange Your Mindset - Pt. 1 [Last Updated On: April 29th, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 29th, 2010]
- Chicago Personal Development Speaker-How To Change Your Mindset - Pt. 2 [Last Updated On: April 29th, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 29th, 2010]
- The Difference Between Faith Light VS Flash Light [Last Updated On: April 30th, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 30th, 2010]
- Personal Development Are You Lukewarm About Your Success? [Last Updated On: April 30th, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 30th, 2010]
- Do YOU Love YOURSELF-Network Marketing Success Tip [Last Updated On: May 4th, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 4th, 2010]
- Building Your Belief Daily by John Di Lemme: Personal Development Success [Last Updated On: May 10th, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 10th, 2010]
- Best Place to Make a Change in Yourself [Last Updated On: May 11th, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 11th, 2010]
- Michael J. Emery NLP and Hypnosis - Personal Development Coach & Trainer [Last Updated On: May 11th, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 11th, 2010]
- NLP Coaching Gym with Michael J. Emery - Personal Development Coach and Trainer [Last Updated On: May 11th, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 11th, 2010]
- Search for Much more Happiness by Michelle Prince: Personal Development Book [Last Updated On: May 12th, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 12th, 2010]
- How To Earn Million Dollars in Network Marketing: Personality Development [Last Updated On: May 13th, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 13th, 2010]
- Putin comments to Ministries of Finance and Economic Development [Last Updated On: May 15th, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 15th, 2010]
- Full Potential Ep. 1 Creating High Value Routines [Last Updated On: May 17th, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 17th, 2010]
- The Sufficient Line by John Di Lemme: Personal Development Success [Last Updated On: May 19th, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 19th, 2010]
- Undeniable Attitude by John Di Lemme: Personal Development Motivation [Last Updated On: May 19th, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 19th, 2010]
- How to Perform a Personal SWOT [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2010]
- Oscoda, MI Personal Coaching Program - George Morse [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2010]
- Time Mangement by John Di Lemme: Personality Development [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2010]
- Full Potential Ep 6Taking Action When You're Not 100 % Ready [Last Updated On: May 21st, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 21st, 2010]
- Discover Greater Happiness by Michelle Prince: Best Personal Development Books [Last Updated On: May 21st, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 21st, 2010]
- The Benefits and Features of the Lifestyle Freedom Club - Personal Development [Last Updated On: May 21st, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 21st, 2010]
- setting goals, achieving goals, SMART goals, Realistic goals, goal setting, [Last Updated On: May 21st, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 21st, 2010]
- Learn How To Develop Your Mindset Through - Personal Development Success [Last Updated On: May 24th, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 24th, 2010]
- Full Potential Ep.7 Two Keys to Creating Greater Wealth [Last Updated On: May 24th, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 24th, 2010]
- Full Potential Show Ep 8 pt 1 How to Take Control of Your Financial Situation [Last Updated On: May 25th, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 25th, 2010]
- Full Potential Show Ep 8 Pt. 2 How to Take Control of Your Financial Situation [Last Updated On: May 25th, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 25th, 2010]
- "Mindset For Success" Your "Personal Development" Success Plan [Last Updated On: May 25th, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 25th, 2010]
- Help Promote Self Development and Motivation in Your Life [Last Updated On: May 25th, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 25th, 2010]
- Full Potential Show Ep 9 Pt.1 3 Levers for Greater Wealth [Last Updated On: May 26th, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 26th, 2010]
- Full Potential Show Ep 9 Pt.2 - 3 Levers for Greater Wealth [Last Updated On: May 26th, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 26th, 2010]
- Full Potential Show Ep10 Deal Effectively with Social Anxiety [Last Updated On: May 27th, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 27th, 2010]
- Benefits of Being a LifeStyle Freedom Club Member: Self Help Personal [Last Updated On: May 28th, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 28th, 2010]
- Learn How You Can Become a Member Today - Positive Personal Development [Last Updated On: May 31st, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 31st, 2010]
- Full Potential Show Ep11-2 Interview with Youngest Climber to Summit 7 Peaks [Last Updated On: June 4th, 2010] [Originally Added On: June 4th, 2010]
- FP Ep 11-1 Interview with Youngest to Summit 7 Peaks [Last Updated On: June 4th, 2010] [Originally Added On: June 4th, 2010]
- Giving Your child the Gift of Experiences [Last Updated On: June 4th, 2010] [Originally Added On: June 4th, 2010]
- The Gift Of Goodbye: Self Help Success [Last Updated On: June 7th, 2010] [Originally Added On: June 7th, 2010]
- Secrets To Combat The Negative Bombardment Of The Fear Flu: Self Help Definition [Last Updated On: June 9th, 2010] [Originally Added On: June 9th, 2010]
- Faith Light VS Flash Light with John Di Lemme: Motivation Speaker [Last Updated On: June 9th, 2010] [Originally Added On: June 9th, 2010]
- Are You Hardwired For Success? Get a Millionaire Mind! [Last Updated On: June 10th, 2010] [Originally Added On: June 10th, 2010]
- Results of Reality Responsibility by John di Lemme: Positive Personal [Last Updated On: June 10th, 2010] [Originally Added On: June 10th, 2010]
- The Importance Of Leadership In Your Home Business [Last Updated On: June 10th, 2010] [Originally Added On: June 10th, 2010]
- Download FREE Expert Downloads on Panel of Personal Development Experts [Last Updated On: June 15th, 2010] [Originally Added On: June 15th, 2010]
- Release You Past and Speak Your Future by John Di lemme: Self Help Positive [Last Updated On: June 17th, 2010] [Originally Added On: June 17th, 2010]
- 3 Tips on Choosing The Right Personal Development [Last Updated On: June 22nd, 2010] [Originally Added On: June 22nd, 2010]
- Sherrie Munday - CO Letting Go film release Interview [Last Updated On: June 30th, 2010] [Originally Added On: June 30th, 2010]
- Stuart Bell - NL Letting Go Movie Release Comments Video [Last Updated On: July 3rd, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 3rd, 2010]
- Shifting Your Focus & Shifting Your Emotions [Last Updated On: July 3rd, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 3rd, 2010]
- Aimee Daniels - DC Letting Go film release Interview [Last Updated On: July 4th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 4th, 2010]
- Jenny Biggers - CO Letting Go Movie Release Comments Video [Last Updated On: July 5th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 5th, 2010]
- Katy McPherson - CO Letting Go Movie Release Comments Video [Last Updated On: July 6th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2010]
- John Assaraf (The Secret) + Massive Action = Massive Results [Last Updated On: July 7th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 7th, 2010]
- Joseph Mullan - UK Letting Go Movie Release Comments Video [Last Updated On: July 7th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 7th, 2010]
- Doris Griffin - CA Letting Go Movie Release Comments Video [Last Updated On: July 9th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 9th, 2010]
- Maarten Klatte - NL Letting Go Movie Release Comments Video [Last Updated On: July 10th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 10th, 2010]
- New Show! Today Is That Day [Last Updated On: July 11th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 11th, 2010]
- Gary Balke - Sedona Letting Go Movie Release Comments Video [Last Updated On: July 12th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 12th, 2010]
- Wendy Shand - UK Letting Go Movie Release Comments Video [Last Updated On: July 12th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 12th, 2010]
- Wealth Tribes Part 1 of 2 at the WealthVest Seminar in Vegas [Last Updated On: July 14th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 14th, 2010]
- Achieve Success in Work at Home Business and Personal Life [Last Updated On: July 15th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 15th, 2010]
- Barbara Lovejoy - CA Letting Go Movie Release Comments Video [Last Updated On: July 19th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 19th, 2010]
- Wake up with Jay! 07-20-10 Personal Development! [Last Updated On: July 20th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 20th, 2010]
- Give More to Achieve Business Success and Financial Freedom [Last Updated On: July 24th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 24th, 2010]
- Fran Menley - CO Letting Go Movie Release Comments Video [Last Updated On: July 25th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 25th, 2010]
- Write Down Goals to Clarify and Reach Your Success [Last Updated On: July 30th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 30th, 2010]