The goal of this project is for the development of an economical compact tunable CW laser for the 1-1.1 micron wavelength region based on ytterbium (Yb3+) doped polymers. Through its novel polymer monolith and fiber technologies, Sentel Technologies is capable of producing both CW and pulsed tunable lasers with high output powers and substantial cost savings relative to current systems. The proposed Phase I work will emphasize the commercial realization of inexpensive access to the 1-1.1 micron region. Many of the techniques used with Yag laser systems can be used with our laser systems, i.e. through the use of KDP crystals the output frequency can be doubled. This will allow for tunability from 500nm to 550nm. We will concentrate on demonstrating lasing in a Yb doped polymer and will build on promising preliminary results already obtained for selected Yb systems. Preliminary extension of the work to other lasing centers that operate in different wavelength regions will also be performed. It is anticipated that the knowledge gained during the Phase I research will facilitate the construction of lasers that will offer inexpensive tunability over wavelength ranges throughout the visible and infrared.
