The United States Office of Naval Research described energy weapons with ultra-short pulse laser and atmospheric characterization, specifically stating, “

Directed energy weapons (DEWs) are defined as electromagnetic systems capable of converting chemical or electrical energy to radiated energy and focusing it on a target, resulting in physical damage that degrades, neutralizes, defeats or destroys an adversarial capability. Navy DEWs include systems that use high-energy lasers (HEL) that emit photons and high-power microwaves (HPM) that release radiofrequency waves,” (United States Navy Office of Naval Research, 2026).

Pulse weapons, often classified under Directed Energy Weapons (DEW) or Non-Lethal Weapons (NLW), are defined in the context of civilian use as devices that emit focused electromagnetic, radiofrequency, or microwave energy to disrupt, incapacitate, or cause pain to human targets without causing immediate, permanent injury. These technologies are increasingly considered for crowd control, perimeter defense. (AI, Library of Congress, 2026).

Core Types and Definitions

• Active Denial System (ADS): A "less-lethal" directed-energy weapon that emits a 95 GHz millimeter-wave beam, which causes a sensation of intense, unbearable heat by heating the water in a target's skin. It is designed to repel individuals or disperse crowds from a distance.

• High-Power Microwave (HPM) / Pulsed Energy Projectiles (PEP): Devices that use pulsed, invisible laser energy to create plasma on a target's surface, causing a pressure wave that results in temporary paralysis, intense pain, and involuntary muscle contractions.

• Conducted Energy Devices (CEDs/Tasers): While often considered distinct from directed energy weapons, they fall under the "pulse" umbrella, using electrical pulses to disrupt voluntary muscle control at close range