Preface to Revision A

In the interim since the original writing and publication of "High Energy Laser (HEL) Lethality Data Collection Standards" February 2007, there have been developments in the technologies available for conducting laser effects tests, some new approaches to diagnostics have come to light, and the authors have gained additional insights from the intense laser testing activity of the last two years. For these reasons, this first revision to the standards document is being published. In particular, the first two standards on power and irradiance measurements, respectively, have been expanded. Two new standards covering thermal absorptance measurements and EO system measurements and characterization have been added. The section on reporting of uncertainty of measurement results has been expanded to clarify key concepts in this critical area.

It is important to note that the development of the Data Collection Standards evolved primarily from a laboratory testing perspective. As short wavelength lasers of higher power become available and approached weapon grade performance, more and more laser lethality testing is moving out of the laboratory to outdoor ranges and into more realistic environmental conditions. The diagnostics for these tests require characterization of the atmosphere in which the beam propagates; the target plane irradiance spatial profile on moving targets and the thermal response of the moving targets. These are challenging measurements and programs are currently in progress to provide technical solutions to these diagnostic problems. It is anticipated that another revision to the Data Collection Standards will be undertaken in the next few years to cover these issues in support of future laser lethality programs.

A "Test Report Standard" June 2008, was produced that provides a guide for developing a complete and accurate test report for lethality testing. This standard was published as a supplement to the original data collection standard and is included in this revision as well.

We again acknowledge the effort and dedication of the authors and those DE researchers who have directly or indirectly contributed to this work over the years. We commend the foresight of the DEPS Board of Directors to expend the effort necessary to bring this information to the community.

Joseph S. Accetta
David N. Loomis

Albuquerque, New Mexico
September, 2008

Preface to Original Edition

This publication represents the first in a series of DEPS textbooks, handbooks and monographs on topics in Directed Energy. The project from which this work was derived was originally funded by the High Energy Laser Joint Technology Office (HEL-JTO). JTO was established in 2000 for the purpose of developing and executing a comprehensive investment strategy for HEL science and technology that would underpin weapons development. The JTO is currently sponsoring 80 programs across industry, academia, and government agencies with a budget of approximately $60 million. The competitively awarded programs are chosen to advance the current state of the art in HEL technology and fill technology gaps, thus providing a broad capability that can be harvested in acquisition programs by the military services.

The information that was acquired in this program and many others before it forms a significant intellectual legacy of research in Directed Energy that spans nearly 40 years and represents the work of many dedicated scientists and engineers. These data collection standards were compiled by the HEL Joint Technology Office (JTO), Lethality Technical Area working Group (TAWG), Integrated Product Team (IPT) with significant reliance on the subject matter expertise of Drs. Robert Cozzens, Bill Laughlin, Ralph Rudder, and Craig Walters, all with significant experience in the field of HEL lethality. In addition to the current research published in the Journal of Directed Energy, a DEPS educational objective is to make this work available to the DE community through a series of publications on specific topics in Directed Energy. This first publication "High Energy Laser (HEL) Lethality Data Collection Standards" was published in loose leaf notebook form to take account of its likely use as a laboratory reference document that will be updated from time to time.

We acknowledge the effort and dedication of the authors and those DE researchers who have directly or indirectly contributed to this work over the years. We commend the foresight of the DEPS Board of Directors to expend the effort necessary to bring this information to the community. Lastly, we acknowledge the expert copy editing of Kathie Coogler-Prado.

Joseph S. Accetta
David N. Loomis

Albuquerque, New Mexico
February, 2007