RFLaser vs. Microwave Weapons: Key Differences
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laser
microwave
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This article compares laser weapons and microwave weapons, both categorized as “Directed Energy Weapons.” These systems are often airborne, deployed on aircraft or drones, and designed to disable, damage, or destroy enemy targets by emitting energy.
Lasers typically operate in the 1mm to 750nm wavelength range (infrared) and the 750nm to 400nm range (visible light). Microwaves, on the other hand, utilize wavelengths ranging from millimeters to centimeters, which is approximately 1000 times longer than laser wavelengths.
Key Differences Between Laser and Microwave Weapons
The following table summarizes the major differences between laser and microwave weapon systems:
| Specifications or features | Laser Weapon | Microwave Weapon |
|---|---|---|
| Function | Delivers energy directly to the target using a laser beam. | Delivers energy directly to the target using high-power electromagnetic waves. Also known as HPM (High Power Microwave) weapon. |
| Atmospheric Effect | Performance is affected by atmospheric conditions like clouds, rain, and water vapor. | Performance is largely unaffected by atmospheric conditions, as microwaves can penetrate clouds, dust, and water vapor. Usable in virtually any weather condition. |
| Range | Generally has a longer effective range. | Typically has a shorter range compared to high-energy laser weapons. |
| Operation | Considered a “point weapon,” effective against a specific, focused target. | Considered an “area weapon,” capable of disrupting or destroying electronic systems across a wider area. |
| Wavelength/Frequency | Solid-state lasers operate around 1064.5 nm, either pulsed or continuous wave (CW). Advanced tactical lasers operate at 1.315 µm. | Operates in the 500MHz to 3GHz frequency range (mm to cm wavelengths). Wavelength is about 1000 times larger than laser wavelengths. |
| Power | Uses approximately 50 KW to Megawatts of power. | Requires power in the range of 100 MW to 100 GW. |
