SBIR-STTR Award

Building on previous work with rod-based solid-state lasers, we propose to investigate the utility of demonstrating 100 kW class diode-pumped Yb:YAG slab lasers by operating the laser cooling system at cryogenic (77 _K) temperatures. The major objectives of the proposed Phase I program are to extend our thermal and stress modeling to slab lasers, build a model of expected optical performance, and to develop one or two practical concepts for implementing an experimental demonstration. Following a successful Phase I program, during Phase II we would experimentally demonstrate the first cryogenically-cooled high-average-power solid-state laser. This work has obvious applications in ballistic missile defense and laser materials processing, and is expected to elucidate the high-average-power capability of Nd:YAG and Yb:YAG solid-state lasers operating at room temperature as well. LE Systems expects that the industrial and medical communities will benefit from the development of cryogenic cooled device, at all power levels

Department of Defense (DOD) interset in developing laser weaponary in the 1960's. Solid-State lasers have been a canidate technology from the earliest time, but for various reasons, this technology has not been developed to a point where they are scalable to high average power lasers. The development of diode laser pump arrays has improved efficiency, but at a considerable increase in systems cost. The diode pumped solid state lasers developed to date have several deficiencies in meeting the needs of the DOD. The efficiency of neodymium lasers is too low, 10% to, arguably 15%, to allow a weapons-level device to be proberly packaged on a single platform. The cost is also high, and is primarily driven by the cost of the diode arrays and diode array coolers. If one adds additional requirements for wavelength considerations, these issues become even more debilitating by factors of two or more. In order for this technology to find acceptance, a dramatic improvement in efficiency needs to be found. This Project is exploring the potential of cryogenically cooled solid state lasers to favorably resolve these problems and result in efficieny, effective lasers that can function within existing logistic capabilities in the field.

Keywords:
cryogenic solid-state laser, cryogenic laser, cryogenic yb:yag laser, cryogenic diode-pumped yb:yag laser, high average power cryogenic yb:yag, e