SBIR-STTR Award

Compact High Power Mid-Wave Infrared Laser System
Award last edited on: 10/19/2024

Sponsored Program
SBIR
Awarding Agency
DOD : Navy
Total Award Amount
$1,440,000
Award Phase
2
Solicitation Topic Code
N221-041
Principal Investigator
Xiushan Zhu

Company Information

NP Photonics Inc (AKA: NP Photonic Technologies LLC)

9030 South Rita Road Suite 120
Tucson, AZ 85747
   (520) 799-7400
   N/A
   www.npphotonics.com
Location: Multiple
Congr. District: 02
County: Pima

Phase I

Contract Number: N68335-22-C-0574
Start Date: 8/8/2022    Completed: 2/3/2023
Phase I year
2022
Phase I Amount
$240,000
NP Photonics proposes to develop a compact high-power mid-wave infrared laser system by taking advantage of its substantial capability and experience in mid-wave infrared fibers and fiber lasers. The proposed mid-wave infrared laser system has the advantages of high-efficiency, high power scalability, high beam quality, and broad spectral coverage. In the Phase I program, we will investigate the feasibility and study the risk of developing a mid-wave infrared laser system based on our unique optical fibers. In Phase II, a 100-W high-power laser source covering 3.5-4.1 micron and 4.6-4.9 micron sub-bands will be developed and delivered.

Benefit:
The proposed mid-wave infrared laser system can be used for various DOD applications including LADAR seekers, target illuminators, designators, target trackers, infrared counter measures, and standoff chem-bio detection. They can also be used for mid-IR optics, chemical sensing, industrial process monitoring, pollution control, material processing, and medical surgeries.

Keywords:
Mid-Wave Infrared Laser, Mid-Wave Infrared Laser, Beam Combining, fiber laser, High atmosphere transparency

Phase II

Contract Number: N68335-23-C-0339
Start Date: 6/16/2023    Completed: 6/25/2025
Phase II year
2023
Phase II Amount
$1,200,000
NP Photonics proposes to develop a compact high-power mid-wave infrared laser system by taking advantage of its substantial capability and experience in mid-wave infrared fibers and fiber lasers. The proposed mid-wave infrared laser system has the advantages of high-efficiency, high power scalability, high beam quality, and broad spectral coverage. In the Phase I program, the feasibility of developing a high-power mid-wave infrared laser system based on NP Photonics' unique optical fibers was demonstrated. In Phase II, the focus will be on the development of high-power mid-wave infrared lasers and a 100-W laser prototype covering 3.5-4.1 micron and 4.6-4.9 micron sub-bands.

Benefit:
The proposed mid-wave infrared laser system can be used for various DOD applications including LADAR seekers, target illuminators, designators, target trackers, infrared counter measures, and standoff chem-bio detection. The system can also be used for mid-IR optics, chemical sensing, industrial process monitoring, pollution control, material processing, and medical surgeries.

Keywords:
High atmosphere transparency, Mid-Wave Infrared Laser, Beam Combining, fiber laser