The Maven of DEW: Interviewing an Expert on Direct Energy Weapons

When most people imagine being shot by a direct energy weapon (DEW), they picture a fiery, damaging blast that leaves noticeable scars and wounds. However, in reality, the scientific and technological advancements behind DEWs are far more complex and groundbreaking than what we can imagine. Our in-depth conversation with an expert in the field will shed light on the intricacies of DEWs and challenge our perceptions of what can be achieved with advanced energy weapons.

Understanding Direct Energy Weapons

Direct Energy Weapons (DEWs) are cutting-edge military and defense technologies that use concentrated energy to incapacitate or destroy targets. Unlike conventional weapons that rely on physical projectiles, DEWs utilize focused beams of energy that can deliver a range of effects, from heating and boiling internal organs to surgically precise cutting and disintegration.

Laser-based DEWs: An Example of Precision and Power

Let’s take a closer look at the Copper-Vapor Pulse Laser (CVPL) developed by my younger brother during the late 80s and early 90s at Livermore Labs. The CVPL was part of the 'Star Wars' initiative and used the cutting-edge technology that would lead to modern DEWs. The first part of the laser, responsible for initiating and forming the beam, was about the size of a pickup truck. The beam diameter reached a staggering 24 inches once it was amplified by two stages. Despite its massive size, the laser could be moved by truck and set up within 45 minutes, making it highly portable and versatile.

When fully operational, the laser demonstrated the ability to disintegrate almost anything it targeted, a feat reminiscent of the disintegration rays in old science fiction films like Flash Gordon. The precision and power of the laser were such that everything had to be perfectly aligned for it to function, requiring days to align and set up for optimal performance. The difficulty in aligning the components meant that more time was spent on setup than on actual operation. Once set up, however, the laser operated flawlessly.

Industrial Applications and Further Advancements

The hands-on experience my brother gained with industrial lasers led him to explore other applications. Upon receiving his Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan, Ford attempted to hire him for their efforts to use industrial lasers in the automotive industry. The idea was to use laser technologies to shape body panels and other car parts, allowing for quick changes in design without the need for extensive machinery retooling. However, he ultimately chose to work on sub-atomic particle projects at the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center, where he developed a massive circular collector for B-Mesons, contributing to the study of quarks and anti-quarks.

Implications for Modern Warfare and Defense

These advancements in laser technology highlight the vast potential of DEWs in modern warfare and defense. From surgical precision in medical applications to the complete disintegration of targets, DEWs represent a significant shift in how we think about combat and energy manipulation. However, the challenges of alignment and power supply are still considerable hurdles that researchers and engineers are working to overcome.

Understanding the complexities of DEWs and their various applications is crucial for both defense and research purposes. As technology continues to evolve, the portrayal of DEWs in science fiction films and depictions will likely become less far-fetched and more aligned with real-world developments in this field.