Beam Weapons

Beam Weapons examines the directed-energy weapons that became a central part of the Reagan Administration's Strategic Defense Initiative, better known as "Star Wars." First published in 1984, it describes the science and technology behind directed energy weapons, the state of the art at the time Reagan launched the program, and the military issues involved. The first full-length book published on the topic, it exhaustively documents the technical and military realities and uncertainties.

This book introduces modern directed-energy beam weaponry and emerging technical concepts based on unclassified and declassified information. The book covers laser systems, analyzing the interaction between high-power laser beams and matter, and examines penetration of high power beams such as microwave and scalar wave. It also covers the use of particle and high-power radar beams and scalar wave as weapons of the future. In-depth coverage of the relevant mathematical and engineering topics and concepts are included. The book will provide scientists and engineers with valuable guidance on the fundamentals needed to understand state-of-the-art directed energy weaponry technology research and applications. Provides guidance on the fundamentals of state-of-the-art directed-energy weaponry technology; Introduces the physics behind directed-energy weapons; Offers in-depth coverage of mathematical and engineering topics.

This book delves deeply into the real-world technologies behind the ‘directed energy weapons’ that many believe exist only within the confines of science fiction. On the contrary, directed energy weapons such as high energy lasers are very real, and this book provides a crash course in all the physical and mathematical concepts that make these weapons a reality. Written to serve both scientists researching the physical phenomena of laser effects, as well as engineers focusing on practical applications, the author provides worked examples demonstrating issues such as how to solve for heat diffusion equation for different boundary and initial conditions. Several sections are devoted to reviewing and dealing with solutions of diffusion equations utilizing the aid of the integral transform techniques. Ultimately this book examines the state-of-the-art in currently available high energy laser technologies, and suggests future directions for accelerating practical applications in the field.“br>/div

This is the first comprehensive examination of the issues surrounding the potential development by the United States of a space-based laser weapons program. The authors assess the implications of arms control agreements for a satellite-based laser program, including discussions of recent Soviet space-related arms control initiatives and the forthcoming ABM treaty review. They outline likely Soviet responses to a U.S. space-based laser system, address criticisms of the proposed program, and consider its future in light of developments in U.S. defense strategy and doctrine.

Handbook of Defence Electronics and Optronics Anil K. Maini, Former Director, Laser Science and Technology Centre, India First complete reference on defence electronics and optronics Fundamentals, Technologies and Systems This book provides a complete account of defence electronics and optronics. The content is broadly divided into three categories: topics specific to defence electronics; topics relevant to defence optronics; and topics that have both electronics and optronics counterparts. The book covers each of the topics in their entirety from fundamentals to advanced concepts, military systems in use and related technologies, thereby leading the reader logically from the operational basics of military systems to involved technologies and battlefield deployment and applications. Key features: • Covers fundamentals, operational aspects, involved technologies and application potential of a large cross-section of military systems. Discusses emerging technology trends and development and deployment status of next generation military systems wherever applicable in each category of military systems. • Amply illustrated with approximately 1000 diagrams and photographs and around 30 tables. • Includes salient features, technologies and deployment aspects of hundreds of military systems, including: military radios; ground and surveillance radars; laser range finder and target designators; night visions devices; EW and EO jammers; laser guided munitions; and military communications equipment and satellites. Handbook of Defence Electronics and Optronics is an essential guide for graduate students, R&D scientists, engineers engaged in manufacturing defence equipment and professionals handling the operation and maintenance of these systems in the Armed Forces.