Welcome to another episode of “Inside West Point: Ideas That Impact” with Brigadier General Shane Reeves. In this episode, we sit down with Colonel John Hartke, Head of the Department of Physics and Nuclear Engineering and leading Photonics expert, to discuss the Mobile Laser Project, an interdisciplinary research project being worked on by cadets and faculty at West Point.  

The Mobile Laser Project aims to develop a high-energy laser that can shoot down rockets, artillery, and other threats on the battlefield. Brig. Gen. Reeves and Col. Hartke discuss the project's objectives, the equipment and trailer used, the problem-solving and troubleshooting skills required, and the benefits cadets gain from working on the project. They also mention the Photonics Research Center's work on sensors and the legal implications of using lasers for blinding. This episode provides an inside look at West Point’s interdisciplinary research.  

In this episode, you will learn the following:  

1. What is the mobile laser project, and what is its objective?  

2. What advancements is the Photonics Research Center making in sensor technology, and how is it working to stay ahead of trends in their use on the battlefield?  

3. How does West Point use interdisciplinary collaboration in laser research?  

Chapter Summaries:   

[00:00:23]: Introduction of the mobile laser project and its objective to develop a high-energy laser that can shoot down rockets, artillery, and other threats on the battlefield.   

[00:04:41]: West Point's Photonics Research Center and High Energy Laser Joint Technology Office   

[00:05:08]: Interdisciplinary collaboration at the Photonics Research Center: A discussion of lasers, optics, and photonics   

[00:06:39]: Discussion on the use of lasers and sensors on the modern battlefield   

[00:09:49]: Conversation on the use of miniaturized sensors and mobile laser technology in military action   

[00:11:07]: Analysis of the Army's 100-kilowatt solid-state laser project   

[00:13:42]: West Point cadets' innovative solutions for high-energy laser weapon systems   

[00:18:07]: Interdisciplinary team successfully tests five-kilowatt laser in Bartlett Hall Basement  

[00:19:35]: Troubleshooting a laser system for cadet training   

[00:20:33]: Overview of laser system setup and testing at West Point   

[00:23:07]: Discussion on laser weapon system for air defense artillery   

[00:24:21]: Discussion on the impact of technology on warfighting and society   

[00:25:49]: Discussion on laser technology in the military education system   

[00:28:33]: Last thoughts on laser technology and encouraging more STEM majors to participate in the program  

Resources in this episode:  

Photonics Research Center- http://bit.ly/WP_PRC 

USMA Department of Physics and Nuclear Engineering- https://bit.ly/WP_PANE 

Col. Hartke’s Bio- http://bit.ly/WP_JH  

Thank you to the Photonics Research Lab supporters: Army Research Lab, Space and Missile Defense Command, and Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office. 

This episode does not imply Federal endorsement. 

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