US 12,022,602 B2
Defense mechanism against directed-energy systems based on laser induced atmospheric optical breakdown
Jeffrey H. Hunt, Thousand Oaks, CA (US)
Assigned to THE BOEING COMPANY, Arlington, VA (US)
Filed by THE BOEING COMPANY, Chicago, IL (US)
Filed on Apr. 1, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/220,742.
Application 17/220,742 is a division of application No. 14/932,720, filed on Nov. 4, 2015, abandoned.
Prior Publication US 2021/0227677 A1, Jul. 22, 2021
Int. Cl. H05H 1/46 (2006.01); F41H 13/00 (2006.01)
CPC H05H 1/46 (2013.01) [F41H 13/005 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A laser defense system, comprising:
at least one sensor configured to detect a weaponized laser emitted by a directed-laser source;
a laser source; and
an optical control system configured to:
determine a distance to generate a plasma from a surface of a targeted structure based on (i) heat generated by the plasma harming the targeted structure and (ii) the plasma blocking radio waves transmitted by a radio on the targeted structure,
in response to detecting the weaponized laser emitted by the directed-laser source, direct, based on the distance, a laser signal emitted by the laser source to generate the plasma in a defined plasma shield region to prevent the weaponized laser from reaching the targeted structure,
stop outputting the laser signal after a period of time to determine whether the weaponized laser has ceased targeting the targeted structure.