An on-board laser repair system has been engineered by University of Nebraska Lincoln researchers to reduce vessel restoration time and costs by enabling at-seas repairs which were previously only possible by returning to port. For example, ships fabricated with aluminum can be stronger and lighter weight than those made with steel, but are nonetheless susceptible to corrosion The portable laser helps prevent and repair corrosion on aluminum-sided ships. Source: Alyssa Amen/NUtech Venturesand cracking that must be repaired at a shipyard.

The powerful, portable laser is mounted on a camera tripod and connected via mirrorless fiber cord to a small controller. By heating specific areas of aluminum in-situ, crews can conduct at-sea repairs. The system stores preselected operating modes which are stored on integrated microchips, eliminating the need for a hefty computer. The user selects one of about 30 treatments according to the application, each with different laser wavelengths, frequencies and other parameters, which reduces the technology's knowledge barrier.

The researchers expect to demonstrate the laser system on a U.S. Navy ship in the near term.