Why This Small Component Could Be a Big Deal For Finally Fielding Laser Weapons

A new system from Attalon effectively transforms exquisite laser amplifiers into line-replaceable units.

Attalon’s Kilowatt Interconnect (kWIC) Disconnect subsystem. (Attalon)

The most critical componant to actually fielding high-energy laser weapons at scale isn’t the diode pump, or the gain medium, or the beam director. It isn’t even the power source. In reality, it may actually be this tiny fiber optic converter.

On July 23, defense technology company Att…