In this proposal we propose a new method in fabricating a chalcogenide amplifier that amplifies directly in the MWIR with high slope-efficiency, diffraction limited beam quality and provide a pathway to high output powers. This next generation high performing amplifier will specifically be developed for amplifications of QCLs to suit the needs of naval infrared applications. During Phase II we will optimize the glass composition designs, simulate the power amplifier performance, develop planar waveguide, demonstrate and characterize amplifiers, provide the amplification power-scaling results for high power Mid-IR lasers.
Benefit: We anticipate to demonstrate this proposed innovative amplification for QCL, which will exhibit high slope-efficiency, high gain, low loss, and high heat dissipation. The power output of this amplifier will significantly increase the maximum power output currently available. This is due to the prescribed highly efficient pumping scheme and high heat dissipation. The successful development of such MWIR amplifier will completely reshape research and development in 4.6-5micron power sources which will enable next generation naval infrared countermeasure (IRCM) applications. The proposed development of high power MWIR source will be useful for infrared optical sensing and imaging.
Keywords: amplifiers, Mid-IR Lasers, Mid-Ir, additive manufacturing
