Directed Energy Weapons Technologies

Without the use of a projectile, a directed-energy weapon (DEW) emits energy aimed in a particular direction, transferring that energy to a target for a desired effect. The energy can come in various forms, including electromagnetic radiation, particles with mass, sound, fire, and high-power laser weapons. This book introduces modern directed-energy weaponry, as well as the technical approach to such research. The text covers laser systems, analyzing the interaction between high-power laser beams and matter. It also covers the use of particle and high-power radar beams as weapons of the future. Appendices cover the math and engineering topics needed to gain a technical understanding of DEW types.