Potential Missile Defense Laser Tested

A U.S. Energy Department laboratory in Virginia last week conducted its highest-power test yet of an advanced laser the Navy might eventually tap as missile defense technology, the Newport News Daily Press reported (see GSN, Feb. 11).
Scientists at the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility tested the free-electron laser at 500 kilovolts on Friday, creating a beam more precise -- and better suited for missile defense -- than beams generated at lower voltages, according to the newspaper. The Navy had established the 500-kilovolt test as a prerequisite for the laser's potential deployment on a U.S. warship, said George Neil, associate director of the laboratory's free-electron laser branch.
The Naval Research Office has invested tens of millions of dollars for augmenting the device, which service officials said could be used for identifying, monitoring or shooting down enemy missiles.
Last week's test "means our design is now a viable choice," Neil said.
Scientists are now expected to focus on miniaturizing the laser to fit on a sea vessel. A sea-based test could occur by 2018 (Cory Nealon, Daily Press, Feb. 22).