Science & Technology 2026

Directed Energy Science & Technology Symposium

March 30 - April 2, 2026
Tuscon, AZ

Introduction to High Energy Laser Systems

Classification

Unclassified, Public Release (Dist A)

Instructor

Mark Neice, Directed Energy Consultants

Duration

Half-day course, runs 0800 - 1200

Credits awarded

2 CLPs

Course Fee

$300 ($50 discount if you take two courses), Current Full-Time Students: $100 ($50 discount if you take two courses)

Course Description

This lecture will introduce the field of HEL weapons and their associated technologies using an interweaving of technical requirements, history, and accomplishments. The basic attributes of HEL weapons will be covered, leading into discussions of laser-material interaction, lethality, potential weapon applications, system requirements, laser power scaling, propagation, and beam control. DoD interest in tactical applications, current technical issues, and areas of research emphasis will be highlighted.

Intended Audience

This course is geared to those with a technical background who seek an overview of HEL technology and the current state of the art. Individuals who are beginning to work in the field or technical managers who wish an integrated overview would benefit from the class.

Instructor Biography

Mark Neice is the President of Directed Energy Consultants, providing DE subject-matter expertise to the directed energy community. Mark is the former Executive Director of the Directed Energy Professional Society (DEPS). DEPS fosters research and development in Directed Energy, to include high-energy laser and high-power microwave technologies for national defense and civilian applications, through professional communication and education.

Mr. Neice is formerly the Director of the High Energy Laser Joint Technology Office, working for the Assistant Secretary of Defense, Research and Engineering. There he supervised the research and development of solid-state, free electron & gas laser devices, beam control technologies, lethality analysis, and the modeling & simulation tools that create military applications of laser energy for combat operations.

A command pilot, Col (ret) Neice has time in the 4950th Test Wing, and as initial cadre of the Joint Stars test team. He has over 7800 flying hours, mainly in the C-135 and B-707 variants, and is a member of the DoD Acquisition career force, certified in program management; test & evaluation; systems engineering; and science & technology management. Mark holds a Bachelor of Science in Enginerring Sciences from USAF Academy and a Masters of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Dayton.