SBIR-STTR Award

Rainbow Communications proposes to investigate an innovative solid-state seed laser without any moving parts and with random access of wavelength. The proposed seed laser will have the following unique features: (1) High output power (500 mW) with unique optic design and high quality lasing crystals; (2) Robust construction by using monolithic block resonator design without any moving parts; (3) Controllable frequency tunability over a range of 30 GHz by using electro-optic crystal LiNbO3 as both etalon and cavity-length adjustment component; (4) Precise frequency tuning (set-on accuracy of the output lasing frequency of less than 100 MHz); (5) Very fast lasing frequency tuning (switching) time of about 1 microsecond (ms); (6) High stability of frequency (better than 1 MHz/hr.) by using monolithic block resonator design, thermoelectric cooler (TEC) and electro-optic crystals LiNbO3 as cavity-length adjustment component; (7) Lightweight and compact by improving our commercial product with new optic and electronic design, miniature and high efficient optic and electronic components. Phase I will focus on the feasibility demonstration of the proposed solid state laser technology, and in Phase II a practical laser prototype with high power output will be developed to meet all Air Force seed laser application requirements.

Benefits:
This project will enable development of a robust single-frequency solid-state seed laser without moving parts and with random access of wavelength. The proposed laser technology can be used for remote sensing, active laser tracking of fast-moving targets including missiles, satellites, and cross-communication systems. It will also benefit the commercial sector by industry cutting and welding, pollution monitoring, clear air turbulence detecting, remote sensing, and supporting medical applications as well as laser communications, DWDM systems, laser profilometry, vibrometry, and optical data storage.

Keywords:
Solid-State Seed Laser, Elecrto-Optic Crystal, Etalon, Non-Moving, Monolithic Construction, Random Access, Laser Tuning