The research imagines a situation where a small drone could face a group of fully armed soldiers by using a near-infrared laser.
A research team led by a Chinese scientist known as “Crazy Li” has developed small drones that can emit powerful laser beams to cut through metal. This groundbreaking achievement, reported by Interesting Engineering, was once thought to be impossible. The research imagines a situation where a small drone could face a group of fully armed soldiers by using a near-infrared laser. This laser is 200 million times more powerful than a beam with a wavelength of 1080 nanometers and can cause blindness with just five microwatts of power.
Understanding the Laser’s Power
The phrase “200 million times more powerful than a beam with a wavelength of 1080 nanometers” means that the laser emitted by the drone is extraordinarily strong compared to a specific type of laser light. A wavelength of 1080 nanometers is in the near-infrared range, which is not visible to the human eye. This means that while the wavelength is not seen, the energy it carries can still have significant effects.
When we say it can cause blindness with just five microwatts of power, it emphasizes the laser’s intensity. Five microwatts is an extremely small amount of energy, yet this laser’s power is so concentrated that it can damage a person’s eyesight very quickly. The combination of a highly powerful laser and a specific wavelength allows this technology to be not only effective but also potentially dangerous, highlighting its capabilities in various applications, from defense to industrial uses.
This level of power is strong enough to instantly vaporize fat beneath the skin and cut through metal. These findings were reported by Li Xiao and his team from the National University of Defense Technology of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army.
Powerful Lasers Mounted on Small Drones
In his recent research, the Chinese scientist addressed a challenge that was thought to be impossible: creating a laser beam with a long range that usually needs large, truck-sized equipment.
Traditionally, people believed that a small device like a consumer drone could never hold a powerful laser weapon or the energy source it needs, according to a report by the South China Morning Post.
Li and his team solved this problem by creating a small, lightweight device that allows drones to receive powerful laser beams from the ground and accurately aim them at enemy targets.
The Future of Drones: Powering Lasers with Ground-Based Technology
To tackle the challenges of weight and size, the drone employs a clever method. Instead of carrying a heavy laser, it reflects a powerful laser beam sent from the ground toward its target. This technique enables the drone to boost the strength of the laser to 30 kW or more, making it extremely powerful.
Essentially, the drone acts like a mirror, capturing energy from the strong ground-based laser and directing it precisely where it’s needed. This means the drone can deliver a strong laser strike without the burden of heavy equipment, making it lighter and more agile while still being highly effective.
Additionally, this setup allows the laser beam to bend around obstacles, such as buildings. This means the drone can hit targets even if they are not in direct line of sight, striking them at their weakest points. Overall, this innovation enables drones to effectively use high-powered lasers without the need for large equipment.
In simple terms, imagine shining a flashlight around a corner; the light can still reach what’s behind the obstacle. Similarly, the drone’s laser can navigate around barriers, allowing it to target enemies or objects that would otherwise be hidden from view. This makes it a very versatile tool in various situations.
Enhanced Drone Laser Guidance Technology
The research team pointed out that in future uses, several drones with this device could locate targets and ask for laser support from the ground. This would help improve the speed of response.
The redirecting device mainly has two tube-like structures. One tube picks up the laser beam from the ground, while the other tube sends it toward the target.
The tubes are controlled by very accurate elevation servo systems and turning mechanisms. High-quality reflective mirrors connect the optical path between the two tubes.
Elevation servo systems are devices that precisely control the up-and-down movement of equipment, allowing for accurate positioning and adjustments, like aiming a laser at different heights.
Addressing Vibration Challenges for Improved Drone Laser Accuracy
The paper states that the scientists have tackled many of the technical problems with the new laser drone. The main challenge now is the vibrations caused during flight, which can disrupt the laser beam. Li explains that the device requires effective vibration isolation technology to solve this problem.
In 2016, China introduced the first quantum satellite in the world, making ultra-long-distance laser targeting technology a reality instead of just a concept from science fiction.
A quantum satellite is a spacecraft that uses quantum technology to improve communication and information security, enabling secure data transmission over long distances, making it the first of its kind globally.
Chinese scientists have developed technology for ultra-precise time synchronization in mobile devices. This advancement allows intelligent weapon systems to coordinate more accurately when they work together.
As a result, this has led to breakthroughs that were once thought impossible, like merging microwaves or lasers from different sources into a powerful energy beam in the sky.These advancements have improved coordination and communication between systems over long distances.
Topics
