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The physical principles describing free electron lasers are explained with applications to ship defense from sea-skimming missiles, and to new radiation sources for scientific research. Theory is applied to experimental facilities around the world. Topics include optical resonator design, general laser concepts, laser beam propagation, relativistic electron dynamics, phase-space analysis, and numerical simulation.
The role of computation physics in modern weapons development and combat simulations is studied. The programming language is C within the UNIX, Apple, or Windows operating systems. Applications emphasize physical principles of weapons development, systems engineering, and the use of graphics. Subject matter includes random number distributions, projectile and fragment dispersion, missile defense, free electron laser simulation, laser beam propagation in a turbulent atmosphere, thermal blooming, diffraction, rail guns, and numerical integration methods. Optional topics include chaos, and quantum mechanical wavefunctions.
This is the second of a two course sequence teaching the physics and engineering concepts underlying two specific weapon systems currently being development for future US Navy electric ships: the free electron laser and the electromagnetic railgun. For the free electron laser, topics include current program reviews, laser target damage, laser beam propagation through the atmosphere, thermal blooming, the physics of free electron lasers, and free electron laser weapon design. For the railgun, topics include electromagnetic gun theory and critical issues, power conditioning, barrel design, barrel life, projectile design, and system cooling.
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