The Effect of X-Ray Lasers on the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) and the Resulting Government Changes

Strong and intense monochromatic x-ray emission lines were found experimentally in the mid to late 1970's.$^{1-4}$ These findings resulted in the theoretical search for an x-ray laser system. These proposed systems for a ``Star Wars'' approach were made known to the highest levels of the United States Government.$^{5}$ Details will be discussed and examples given. \newline \newline $^{1 }$T. A. Boster, et al., Bull. Am. Phys. Soc., \underline {22} 1240 (1977). \newline $^{2 }$T. A. Boster, et al., Bull. Am. Phys. Soc., \underline {23} 549 (1978). \newline $^{3 }$T. A. Boster, et al., Bull. Am. Phys. Soc., \underline {24} 507 (1979). \newline $^{4 }$T. A. Boster, et al., Bull. Am. Phys. Soc., \underline {32} 1060 (1987). \newline $^{5 }$Personal communication from Dr. Edward Teller.