Course Details
The course consists of two segments. The first is Fundamentals of HEL Weapons, followed by HEL Test & Evaluation.
The Fundamentals segment covers the physical principles underlying the operation of various HELs and weapon systems.
The material follows the laser beam from "birth" in a laser cavity to "death" at the target. Students apply these
physical principles to solve numerical exercises that illustrate the critical concepts. (Bring your calculator!).
The T&E segment provides a look at the fundamental considerations for the test and evaluation of HEL weapon systems.
Students learn about the various distinct types of HEL testing, including example test concepts/configurations,
considerations for test instrumentation, and key testing issues, such as safety and environmental concerns.
Topics
- HEL Fundamentals (1½ days - Dr.Griggs)
- Laser components and characteristics
- Beam generation device principles and mechanisms
- Laser types
- Beam characteristics
- Beam control
- Beam propagation physics
- Atmospheric effects
- Beam interactions with targets
- HEL T&E (1½ days - Dr.McKee)
- HEL employment/testing challenges
- Types of HEL testing
- Lethality phenomenology testing
- Propagation phenomenology testing
- Component/subsystem testing
- System integration testing
- System output testing
- System performance testing
- Instrumentation Considerations
- HEL testing considerations
Course Instructors
Dr. James Griggs has over 30 years experience related to High Energy Lasers, and their
potential use as military weapons. Particular areas of interest are infrared sensors and
atmospheric propagation of infrared radiation. He has taught physics at the USAF Academy.
At the Advanced Radiation Technology Office of the AF Weapons Lab in the early 1970s, he
evaluated the maturity, suitability, and effectiveness of emerging laser technology for a
variety of proposed military applications. Since joining SAIC in 1977, he has worked on a
variety of laser and infrared sensor applications to military missions. He has supported
evaluation of infrared sensors in the SBIRS and GMD programs. Currently, he is a subject
matter expert supporting development of HEL field test capabilities.
Dr. Larry McKee has over 30 years experience directing and performing RDT&E
programs in directed energy weapon (DEW) T&E, distributed testing, nuclear weapon effects,
system survivability, neutral particle beam interactive discrimination, and high
energy laser effects. This experience includes 20 years as an Air Force officer with duties
in management of advanced R&D programs in DEW technology, R&D leadership
as the Air Force Branch and Division levels, development and instruction of advanced
graduate courses, and technical direction of underground nuclear tests. He joined SAIC
in 1989 and is currently the Chief Scientist for the Directed Energy Test and Evaluation Capability
Lead System integrator and also develops and presents High Energy Laser T&E short courses
for the Electronic Warfare Directorate at Edwards AFB, CA.
Current Schedule of Offerings
This course was last offered on 25-17 January 2011 and is not currently scheduled for another offering.
Fees
The registration fee of $1395 includes all course materials.