Lasers have come about to play a very significant role in the realm of technology. In view of this, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has launched a campaign to ramp up the development in this field. The agency is asking researchers to propose methods for creating high-speed lasers.
To control the electromagnetic spectrum more effectively, we need ultrafast lasers which can work at optical wavelengths. To accomplish this, DARPA is calling upon laser experts and other gurus to propose different methods of doing so. The new campaign is part of DARPA’s on-going ultra-fast laser and engineering program called PULSE.
It is widely believed that the use of pulse lasers can make radars far more advanced and effective. DARPA has been working on pulse lasers since some time and within the context of defense, it believes that such lasers could help U.S. Navy ships. With the help of pulse lasers, vessels located near each other can function as a single networked radar, thus enabling a greater degree of range and more accuracy.
But the use of such lasers is not limited to defense purposes alone. Ultrafast lasers can also immensely help in the field of genetics by scanning images of even the tiniest organisms and cells. They can be critical in the development of a 3D X-ray which can then be used in the field of medicine.
According to the DARPA Program Manager for PULSE, Jamil Abo-Shaeer, “PULSE is a basic research program initially focused on component technology. Our primary concern isn’t demonstrating a specific application, rather making these tools a reality at a practical scale by overcoming current obstacles like size and thermal management. The range of potential applications is enormous. Literally any technology that uses electromagnetic radiation could be impacted.”
Source: DARPA
Courtesy: CNET
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