SBIR-STTR Award

This proposal outlines the development of a high repetition rate high power, solid state laser to efficiently generate coherent energy in tunable wavelengths in the 3-5 micron range. The effort will utilize a 3OW CW-diode pumped Nd:YAG laser that has already been developed. This source will be combined with KTP OPO's to generate wavelengths in the 2 micron range at relatively high power. In the final stage efficient conversion to relatively high average power output in the 3 to 5 micron range will be demonstrated using ZnGePO4 OPOs. Further development of the 3OW CW-diode pumped ND:YAG source to the 10OW power level will assure success in the transition to the Phase II development where production of powers greater than 3OW in the 3-5 micron range will be achieved.

Keywords:
Cw Laser Diode Pumped Laser Optical Parametric Oscill Zinc Germanium Phosphide Opo

We propose a tunable Mid-IR laser source based upon an existing and proven diode-pumped laser technology. By coupling expertise in KTP, and ZGP optical parametric oscillators, we generate continuously tunable laser source in all four atmospheric transmission bands. Using the measured performance characteristics of the diode-pumped laser, we propose to deliver a brassboard system producing 15W per band. This system provides a versatile building block which can later be expanded into a full multi-function system, or scaled to higher powers as the government sees fit.

Keywords:
Diode Pumped Nonlinear Optics Optical Parametric Oscillators