New high-energy, solid-state lasers test fired by Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman has test fired the first product in its next-generation FIRESTRIKE line of high-energy, solid-state lasers that meet goals for size and weight reduction, while also being ruggedized for operational applications. The laser, called Gamma, has familiar “slab” architecture, and can burn through the skin and critical components of a target drone used to simulate anti-ship cruise missile threats to U.S. Navy ships. The term "slab laser" refers to a class of high-power, solid-state lasers with a gain medium, or source of atoms that emit light, in the form of a slab about the size of a microscope slide. Over 1.5 hours during demonstration, the laser operated at 13.3 kilowatts: it remained stable and exceeded beam quality design goals. According to vice-president Dan Wildt, the FIRESTRIKE line, combined with advanced electro optical and/or infrared sensors, provides active defense, offensive precision strike and enhanced situational awareness capabilities, to military services.