Want to Deploy Optimized Directed Energy Weapons? Integrate a Compact Noise Source

Additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) generation is an effective way to combat Stimulated Brillouin Scattering (SBS) in directed energy weapons (DEW). SBS reflects a significant, high-power fraction of the incident light beam back toward the laser source, which limits DEW from reaching their power output potential.

AWGN negates this effect by spreading laser coherence. The process involves reducing each laser module's peak power while preserving average power to maintain the required output of the entire system. The best AWGN generating device for a specific laser system depends on its stage of development.

This post takes a closer look at an ideal AWGN solution to reduce SBS in finalized DEW systems.

AWGN Integration During DEW Deployment

DEW poised for field-use have locked in specifications, one of which is the noise output needed to reduce SBS optimally. Ideal SBS reduction requirements can be determined in the lab with a versatile AWGN source, such as the Noisecom UFX7000B Programmable Noise Generator, adjusting various parameters like attenuation, filtering, and amplification.

Finalized DEW need a specific set of noise generation features than the vast flexibility demands of DEW design. These features include:

1. Compact, cost-effective form factor
2. Fixed noise output

An AWGN source that is both space- and cost-efficient will seamlessly integrate into a high-energy laser system ready for use. Its fixed noise output passes through attenuation and amplification stages before being delivered to the optical phase modulator.

Some applications may require the standalone AWGN source to include specific attenuation and amplification stages to minimize physical footprint and cost. Products like the Noisecom NC1000 Series Amplified Noise Modules offer this type of customization, enabling a direct connection to the optical phase modulator. 

Noisecom NC1000 Series Amplified AWGN Module

The NC1000 Series is an ideal instrument to integrate directly into deployment-ready DEW. The modules produce AWGN as high as +13 dBm, have bandwidths up to 18 GHz, and feature TTL-controlled attenuation for external control over power output.SBS reduction in optical communications and DEW is just one of many use-cases for the NC1000 Series. Designing AWGN sources into encryption sources can strengthen the protection of wireless data due to their truly random nature. Within the encryption setup, the NC1000 Series provides the power needed for encrypted messages to overcome any losses suffered after leaving the transmit antenna.

  To uncover the ins and outs of AWGN solutions for encryption, read our blog post.

Wait, there’s more – the modules that are higher in power can test noise immunity for cable TV equipment, secure communications channels, and military jamming systems. The high crest factor modules, which are lower in power (less than or equal to 0 dBm), can serve as random jitter sources.

Head over to Noisecom and review more key NC1000 Series features as well as its available high power modules and high crest factor modules.

Learn More

Want to learn more about high-energy lasers and the performance boost AWGN can provide? Read our DEW-focused blog post for a complete overview of how AWGN improves laser weaponry from design to deployment. 

The Noisecom Application Note, “Using a Noise Source for Improving Reliability and Performance of Directed Energy Weapons,” provides more detail on the challenges high-power DEW face, while the Noisecom Solutions Guide, “Directed Energy Weapons Development Solutions” looks further into the ideal AWGN source for early DEW concepts and finalized systems.

Embed the NC1000 Series your field-ready laser weapon to maximize power output, performance, and efficiency.