Christine Thropp
nLIGHT will continue developing a high energy laser prototype under the second phase of the HEL Scaling Initiative of the Department of Defense’s Office of the Under Secretary of Defense, Research & Engineering.
The company said Friday its phase two award now has a total value of $171 million, up from the initial $86 million in May, after the DOD exercised additional options.
Over the next three years, nLIGHT will build a megawatt-class laser source power based on the company’s coherent beam combined architecture. The laser is expected to have enhanced beam quality, size and weight through its rugged conex-compatible form factor. It is also envisioned to be capable of equipping precision long range tracking and adaptive optics technology.
“Our technology’s ability to scale power and correct for atmospheric turbulence enables nLIGHT to deliver high-intensity beams that are precisely directed to long-range targets, maximizing the effectiveness of the laser,” remarked Jeff Barchers, president of nLIGHT’s defense systems business.
nLIGHT’s phase two work is built on the first phase of the HELSI program, during which the company used its CBC architecture for a 300 kW-class HEL demonstration.
Interested in learning more about the DOD’s research and development activities? OUSD(R&E)’s Heidi Shyu is one of the speakers at the Potomac Officers Club’s 10th Annual Defense R&D Summit. Register here to join the event and hear from her and other defense leaders, researchers, experts and decision makers about the latest developments in cutting-edge military technology.
