Abstract

Recent reports have indicated that an x-ray laser pumped with a nuclear explosion at a wavelength of 1.4nm (0.9 keV) has made some initial progress. It has been proposed to extend the development of this device to establish it as part of a layered ballistic missile defensive system to protect the United States against a nuclear attack. This paper will discuss the following aspects on the feasibility of this system: (1) Conditions affecting the efficiency of the X-ray laser; (2) Angular resolution and size of.the laser rods; (3) Energy on targets; (4) Basing Modes; (5) Countermeasures; and (6) Legal constraints.

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Physics

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