Current efforts utilizing solid state Ultra-Short Pulse (USP) Lasers have identified edge pumped lasers as a technology with the potential to greatly increase the performance of candidate systems. This proposal provides leap ahead concepts for gain media materials, processing, geometry, and/or finishing, pushing the leading edge of conventional gain media beyond the current capability. The objective of this Phase I proposed effort is to develop and design edge pumped laser gain media that have uniform transverse pump absorption distributions while maintaining good optical beam quality and high laser efficiency at the kW average output power level. The expected deliverable from this proposed research and development effort is to present candidate design technologies and the expected performance characteristics obtained via modeling, simulation or mathematical methods to facilitate the decision for Phase II prototype construction. This capability will benefit both Government and private sector organizations.
Keywords: Ultra Short Pulse, Thin Disk Lasers, Edge-Pumped, Thin Disk Amplifier Gain, Ceramic Optical Lasing Materials
