The Feasibility Of The X-Ray Laser Pumped With A Nuclear Explosion
Abstract
Recent reports have indicated that an x-ray laser pumped with a nuclear explosion at a wavelength of 1.4 nm (0.9 keV) has made some initial progress. It has been proposed to extend the development of this device to establish it as part of a layered ballistic missile defensive system to protect the United States against a nuclear attack. This paper will discuss the following aspects on the feasibility of this system: (1) Conditions affecting the efficiency of the X-ray laser; (2) Angular resolution and size of,the laser rods; (3) Energy on targets; (4) Basing Modes; (5) Countermeasures; and (6) Legal constraints.
- Publication:
-
Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE) Conference Series
- Pub Date:
- August 1984
- DOI:
- 10.1117/12.942481
- Bibcode:
- 1984SPIE..474..100H
- Keywords:
-
- Antimissile Defense;
- Feasibility Analysis;
- Laser Weapons;
- Nuclear Pumped Lasers;
- X Ray Lasers;
- Angular Resolution;
- Ballistic Missiles;
- Energy Conversion Efficiency;
- Legal Liability;
- Mathematical Models;
- Spaceborne Lasers;
- Weapons Development;
- Lasers and Masers