LASERS

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP66R00638R000100110047-0
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: December 12, 2016
• Document Release Date: March 7, 2002
• Sequence Number: 47
• Content Type: REPORT

Approved For Release 2002/06/11 : CIA-RDP66R00638R000100110047-0
LASEitS
1. The "laser" s an amplifier or oscillator which operates
by induced emission utilising lied waves. The term laser stands for
"light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation". Terminology
such as "master" and "framer" refer to amplification of micro-waves
and infra-red waves respectively.
2. Amplification techniques are based on the fact that atoms
and molecules exist in certain energy levels or states. For an isolated
atom to alter its state it must absorb a photon or emit a photon. Thus,
a laser is constructed so that an excess of atoms can be maintained in
the upper energy state in the material. When a light wave of the proper
frequency strikes one of these excited atoms, the atom is forced to
emit radiation of the same frequency giving up its excitation energy
In the process. As the wave continues in the laser it continues to
grow or is amplified as it continues to strike the excited atoms.
3. The output of a laser is inherently very directional, nearly
n -tochromatic, and almost coherent. It permits, by the use of lens
or mirrors, focusing the entire output to a spot a little larger than the
wavelength of light (about one-billionth of an inch). This means that
with a power output of only a few roilliwatts the power density in the
focal spat would then be some millions of watts per square inch.
These characteristics suggest general uses even though the specific
use is dependent on the characteristics of the individual device.
Possible uses are:
a. Comm ca o of all types
plasma penetration during reentry.
b. Optical Hadar - surveillance,
to ground.
e. Weapons - sensor
personnel, anti-missile.
lu
g apace and
ction. anti-vehicle,anti-
d. Miscellaneous - spectroscopy, power transmission,
microphotography, power transmission, light source,
fabrication techniques (welding, cutting, etc), weapons
simulation.
Approved For Release 2002/06/11 : CIA-RDP66R00638R000100110047-0
Approved For Release 2002/06/11 : CIA-RDP66R00638R000100110047-0
4. Lueb of tit. research and development going on in thi?
field is in matetechniques although there are nu
studies under way e applications. There are many dilflcuitias
to overcome before "amplification by stimulated emission of radiation"
becomes practical in all of the anticipated use. However, certain
applications have been determined to be feasible in the laboratory.
CIA has several studies for communications and photographic appli-
cations.
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Approved For Release 2002/06/11 : CIA-RDP66R00638R000100110047-0