There's a lot of crazy stuff happening in this image but the wildest might be the LDAL system predicted by BAE. (Image courtesy of BAE Systems.)
These lenses could enhance long distance surveillance and possibly even form the basis for deflector shields.
According to BAE, a concept called a Laser Developed Atmospheric Lens (LDAL) is at the heart of this fantastic prediction. LDAL technology works by simulating naturally occurring phenomena and temporarily – and reversibly – changes the Earth’s atmosphere into lens-like structures to magnify or change the path of electromagnetic waves, such as light and radio signals.
Though the LDAL concept is complex and will require a fine degree of lasing control and power, it essentially copies the behavior of two common natural phenomena: the reflective nature of the ionosphere and the warbling distortions that we associate with desert mirages.
BAE engineers say that LDAL technology simulates both phenomena by pulsing a high powered laser system into the atmosphere, temporarily heating this region of space in an organized way. As a targeted region of the atmosphere heats up, atmospheric mirrors lenses and Fresnel zone plates could be created virtually out of thin air. These shaped atmospheric zones could then be exploited to transmit information over longer distances or view ground operations in great detail from vast distances.
At the moment, BAE’s team is plenty excited about the possibility of reshaping and exploiting the nature of our atmosphere, but some of the company’s minds have also predicted that if an LDAL technology became extremely nimble, atmospheric lenses could be used as defensive tools as well, reflecting incoming energy weapons and rendering a vessel almost untouchable.
Craig Stacey, CEO at LumOptica, a partner with BAE on the LDAL project commented, “This is a tremendously exciting time in laser physics. Emerging technologies will allow us to enter new scientific territories and explore ever new applications. We are delighted to be working with BAE Systems on the application of such game-changing technologies, evaluating concepts which are approaching the limits of what is physically possible and what might be achieved in the future.”
For more futuristic military technology, find out how the US Navy railgun gets powered up.