Plasma breakthrough could enable better hypersonic weapons, spacecraft

A potential breakthrough using focused plasma, described in a research paper in ACS Nano, offers a solution to protect sensitive electronics from extreme heat during high-speed flight, potentially giving the United States an advantage in deploying hypersonic missiles and spacecraft. The breakthrough, originating from efforts to measure electronics' temperature in plasma-facing environments using a laser, suggests that focused plasma can cool electronics, similar to the way sweat evaporating off skin reduces body temperature. This discovery could lead to advanced electronic guidance for hypersonic weapons and allow on-the-ground weapons to evade heat sensors. The research has implications for the development of more precise and advanced electronics in hypersonic weapons, spacecraft, and other high-heat environments.

Link to the full article: Tech Official Says Manufacturing Advances Are Key to National Security > U.S. Department of Defense > Defense Department News