Free electron lasers as ground based space weapons

The free electron laser (FEL) is the most promising directed energy weapon in the SDI program. Its theoretical underpinnings, present achievements and future prospects are reviewed. The general requirements of a ground based laser system are derived and are seen to be quite expensive to implement as well as being far beyond current technical capabilities. Atmospheric propagation effects, particularly Stimulated Raman Scattering, will make the transmission of adequate powers dubious. A summary of existing and proposed FEL parameters shows that, at best, future facilities will be many orders of magnitude away from the required GigaWatt average output powers in the visible or near infrared region. Prospects for FEL midcourse or terminal phase weapons are equally problematic, given the simple countermeasures available to the offense. Use as an ASAT weapon is less technically demanding, but of limited applicability given the vulnerability of an extensive space based targeting system.