| Name of Invention:
Laser Beam Propulsion System Laser Beam Propulsion Patent Application 60-547322 Name of Inventor:
Overall Basic Concept The basic concept is to direct a laser-beam into an electromagnetic field. The laser beam apparatus is securely attached to the frame of the spacecraft. The apparatus is located within the interior of the spacecraft. This interior should provide the proper environment for the function of the device. A nozzle from the device should extend through the wall of the spacecraft and extend approximately two-feet into the outside environment. This distance should be far enough away from the spacecraft that heat from the laser beam doesn’t affect the integrity of the spacecraft itself. The opening in the wall should be airtight. I think the carbon-dioxide (Fir) laser would work best for this concept. It has an emission wavelength of 10,600 (nm) nanometers or 10.6 microns. I think the transverse gas flow CO2 laser type would work best (Transverse Excited Atmospheric Design). This type of laser has a discharge efficiency of 15-25%. The basic theory is that the laser beam acts as thrust for spacecraft. This means the magnitude of the force of the electromagnetism acts as a platform from which thrust from the laser beam can repel against. The direction of laser beam should follow the direction of propagation of the electromagnetic field. The spacecraft needs to be in 0 gravity when device is activated. This means for this device to work, you already have to be in space. I believe this concept will work as long as friction to spacecraft is not too great. The electromagnetic field should be generated from the spacecraft. I believe a high-voltage electromagnetic field could be created by transmitting a large quantity of electricity into an intense magnetic field. This field should be as dense as possible. This field acts as a mass for which the thrust from laser can repel against. The magnetic field could be created with large electro-magnets attached to the outside of the rear of the spacecraft or by electric current (Faraday’s law of induction). The magnetic field strength should be at least 1.5-T (Tesla). The electromagnetic field acts as a gravity field in effect. The length of triangular electromagnetic field should be approximately the length of the spacecraft. This field I believe to be either cone-shaped or triangular in nature. The beam at all times should be directed at apex of this field. The apex should be furthest point of the field from the spacecraft. The width and size of the spacecraft should determine the width and length of the cone-shaped or triangular electro-magnetic field. This means the bigger the spacecraft the larger the triangular electromagnetic field should be. The power and intensity of the laser device should increase with the size of the spacecraft (see chart page 5). I believe for each 5,000 pounds of weight the laser should have 1 kilowatt of power output. For example, a 50,000 pound spacecraft would require a 10-kilowatt CO2 gas laser. Example of laser device:
This unit was produced for the government’s “Star Wars” program. Ten-kilowatt lasers are about the maximum size lasers for this concept
due to the fact of having to run for long periods of time. I believe
multiple units could be used for larger spacecraft, each laser having its
own electromagnetic field.
I think the best optics to use in the laser would be the coated silicon bend mirror type. These optics last a long time and are very efficient. I’m hoping that the laser beam or light will actually reinforce the electromagnetic field for which it is directed. I predict this for the reason being that the laser beam or light is electromagnetic in nature. I’m hoping that the laser beam or light will be absorbed by the electromagnetic field or that very little laser beam or light escapes through electromagnetic field. The array of antennas (electric current for electromagnetic field) should be triangular. This should create the proper radiation pattern, four antennas for each electromagnetic field, and one antenna for each corner of the square base of the electromagnetic field. Example: If one laser is being used there would be four antennas, one for each corner of the rear of spacecraft (spacecraft would have a square rear-end). The antennas would transmit electrical current to the focal point (vertex) which would create a four walled pyramid electromagnetic field, with five antennas you could create a five walled pyramid electromagnetic field which is more cone-shaped, with the focal point being the apex. The configuration of antennas determines the design and pattern of the electromagnetic field. The transmission lines to antennas should transfer all of its power to the antenna and not radiate energy itself. These transmitters need to function in such a manner that the electric charges and currents oscillate in a manner to permit the definition of a electromagnetic field. I believe that you can steer the spacecraft by having rotating mirrors at the end of the laser nozzle. This directs the beam and changes the thrust to a direction that is favorable to the direction that you want the spacecraft to head. Example: If you wanted to go to the left you would point the laser to the left. I think it would be best if the electromagnetic field be adjusted, so that the apex or vertex of electromagnetic field is at point where laser beam is directed. I predict a gradual acceleration with top velocity occurring within
5 minutes. I believe this propulsion system to be more effective
than those in use now. I believe this system to be more efficient
in cost and operation than those in use now.
This should be reviewed as a rough draft. I claim this provisional application is related to Disclosure Document #544526, filing date 1-7-2004, name of invention: Laser-beam-propelled spacecraft. Basic Chart for Laser Beam Device and Electromagnetic Field Requirements  SIDE VIEW
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