Boeing to Develop High-Brightness Laser

The Chicago-based Boeing Co. has received a $4.2 million, 16-month contract to design and develop a 25-kW high-brightness laser for the Pentagon’s High Energy Laser – Joint Technology Office (HEL-JTO). The company will develop the solid-state electric laser based on thin-disk laser (TDL) technology. The goal is to demonstrate that the performance of a TDL-based system is consistent with the HEL-JTO Robust Electric Laser Initiative program’s objectives of high brightness and high electrical efficiency. Boeing’s approach incorporates a series of commercial off-the-shelf lasers used in many industries for cutting and welding metal parts. These devices have demonstrated high reliability and the associated support and maintenance benefits. Successful completion of this project could lead to the development and production of operational versions of the laser system.