Chinese Military Scientists Claim Breakthrough in Continuous Laser Weapon Systems.
RT reports that Chinese military scientists have made significant advancements in high-energy laser technology, potentially enabling the country to develop continuous laser weapon systems for operational use without interruption or performance degradation.
This research was developed by a scientific team from the National Defense Technology University in Changsha and was first published in the journal Acta Optica Sinica in early August.
The focus of this study is the creation of a cooling system for high-energy laser systems, which allows them to operate continuously without overheating.
The success in high-energy laser research could enable China to create continuous laser weapon systems tailored to combat needs without interruption or performance loss. (Photo: RT)
“This is a significant breakthrough in enhancing the performance of high-energy laser systems. The laser beams can be generated not only in the first second but can also be maintained indefinitely depending on the power supply,” the research team stated.
The new cooling system controls gas flows to remove heat from within the laser weapon, preventing vibrations and operational interruptions. Scientists say this system could allow the weapon to operate longer, increasing range and firepower.
Chinese scientists emphasize that 60 years after the invention of the first laser projection device, weapon developers have yet to create a laser weapon capable of immediate target engagement.
Limitations on energy supply and overheating have led to the cancellation of several U.S. laser weapon programs, despite their success in targeting during testing.
Chinese scientists noted, “The real reason for the U.S. cancellation of these projects is that the energy output from the laser beam did not meet expectations. It is crucial for the system to operate continuously for a longer duration to extend the range of laser weapons to several kilometers.”
Such weapons generate high-energy beams that heat the air along their path, creating turbulence. This effect can distort the beam, reducing its accuracy and intensity. The hot air can also contaminate the lenses in the laser weapon, diminishing performance and potentially damaging the system.
The Chinese researchers stated that they have developed a cooling system through the weapon to remove waste heat and maintain lens clarity. Their technology has been utilized in several laser weapons currently under development by the Chinese military.
Beijing is reportedly planning to use such weapons against drones, missiles, and aircraft. They could also be employed to target satellites, disrupting enemy communication, navigation, and surveillance capabilities.
