EVANSTON, Ill., Sept. 5 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists say diode lasers might prove vital in preventing terrorists from using heat-seeking missiles to destroy military and civilian aircraft.
Scientists at Northwestern University's Center for Quantum Devices say such missiles seek a characteristic infrared light given off by hot objects. Although invisible to the human eye, tiny detectors inside the missiles can detect such infrared light and use it for guidance.
To ensure the safety of aircraft, infrared countermeasure, or IRCM, systems are used to confuse or blind the detectors. While various existing light sources might be able to succeed in disrupting the detectors, most are both bulky and expensive.
Researchers say developing a compact and inexpensive IRCM will allow for widespread use of such infrared countermeasure systems, but that has proven to be a significant technical challenge.
A new type of diode laser, called the quantum cascade laser, is being developed at Northwestern and might become extremely useful for aircraft protection.
Researchers say the laser under development can operate at room temperature, suggesting it might become useful for other applications, including early detection of toxic industrial chemicals, explosives and chemical warfare agents.
