Solid-state Laser weapon with power up to 500 kW and its growth prospects

Abstract

The rapid development of solid-state (S-S) laser weapon (LW) systems in the United States, particularly fiber and slab technologies, signals a transformative shift in modern military capabilities. Lockheed Martin's advancements in spectral beam stacking have enabled lightweight fiber-based laser systems exceeding 300 kW, while General Atomics and Boeing’s work on distributed slab gain lasers addresses key thermal management challenges. This article analyzes these leading approaches, evaluates their scalability, and discusses the growing strategic significance of mono-module disk lasers, based on historical insights from foundational Soviet laser physics [1-3]. The potential for achieving megawatt-class compact and light systems remains a critical frontier in LW development.