Editor's Preface
The manuscript comprising this book has an unusual history. It was completed in 1994 and
submitted to the National Defense University for publication; however for a number of reasons, it was never
actually published in hardcopy form. The staff of the Directed Energy Professional Society (DEPS) including
a number of independent reviewers active in DE research felt that the material was a valuable addition to the
body of literature in directed energy and should receive the benefits of open distribution in the context
of historical reprint. Containing much more than simply descriptions of DE effects as implied by the title,
it is a unique compilation of material ranging from the physics of conventional kinetic weapons to particle
beams and provides a unique single source on the principles and effects of these weapons. It should prove
useful to practitioners in the field as well as executives seeking to understand the detailed attributes of
directed energy.
Joseph S. Accetta, Ph.D.
Managing Editor, Directed Energy Professional Society
March, 2009
About the Author
Philip E. Nielsen is Vice-president and Director for MacAulay-Brown, Incorporated, a defense engineering services
firm headquartered in Dayton, Ohio. Prior to joining MacAulay-Brown, Dr. Nielsen served on active duty with the
U.S. Air Force (USAF) for 26 years, retiring as colonel. During this period, he served in a variety of positions
related to the research, development, and acquisition of advanced weapon systems. He received the USAF Research
and Development Award for contribution to high energy laser physics in 1975.
Please see the Preface for more details on content of this book.
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