SDL proposes to develop a high power narrow linewidth semiconductor laser source for optical interferometer range sensor applications.The stability of proposed laser and the wide tuning range of semiconductor sources enable a precise measurement of relative and absoluteoptical path lengths by using a multi-wavelength measurement technique. A novel cavity design will provide both a narrow spectrallinewidth and high optical powers. The laser will be packaged in a rugged space qualifiable temperature-controlled package. This schemeoffers a low power consumption, compact, light weight, and low cost source for both terrestrial and flight mission application.
Potential Commercial Applications:The completion of this proposed effort will also enable the commercial introduction of high power lasers for WDM optical networks,community access television (CATV) systems,and sensor applications. The high power aspect of the proposed laser will spur the practicaland cost effective deployment of the emerging broadband fiber delivery systems.