directed-energy-weapons

Table of ContentsDirected-Energy Weapons: Technology and Programs ..........................................................3The Genesis of a Dream ................................................................................................3Unique Features of Directed-Energy Weapons ..............................................................4Laser Types and Technologies ........................................................................................7High-Power Microwave Weapons ................................................................................15The Military Uses and National-Security Implications of Directed-Energy Weapons ........19Operational Characteristics of Directed Energy............................................................19Operational Impacts of Directed-Energy Systems ........................................................22Limitations and Countermeasures to Directed-Energy Weapons..................................32The National-Security Implications of Directed Energy ..............................................33The Political and Legal Implications of Directed-Energy Weapons ....................................38The Implications of Directed-Energy Weapons for U.S. International Relations..........38Directed-Energy Weapons and International Law ........................................................42Conclusions..................................................................................................................44Directed-Energy Weapons and the American Way of War ..................................................46Military Transformation and Directed Energy ..............................................................46Progress to Date ..........................................................................................................50Conclusions..................................................................................................................51Recommendations........................................................................................................551