Development of Commercial and Defense Microwave and Laser Directed Energy Systems

We shall address shortly the origin and principles of Directed Energy Systems (DES). Nicolas Tesla, the genius in electro-magnetism, tried to transmit wireless electrical energy instead of using wires or cables, first implemented and patented DES at the beginning of the 20 century, but he failed to implement DES because the technology was not yet mature. In the same period, the development of wireless communication systems by Marconi, Popov, and other professionals had a big success and became one of the most important technologic fields. Power and efficiency limitations, Electro Magnetic Interference (EMI), and biohazardous effects all have delayed the development of DES for more than 70 years. This summary paper presents a short review of the past, present, and future of DES.