SBIR-STTR Award

A Yb:YAG transmitter is proposed that will provide greatly enhanced non-acoustic sensor system performance through higher efficiency, higher average power and more favorable output wavelength. Ambalux will draw on its unique combination of experience in developing Yb:YAG laser technology and familiarity with optical sensors and non-acoustic technology. Our proposed program will provide ONR with high-payoff coherent laser technology that can be leveraged into other applications besides non-acoustics, notably any coherent lidar applications that requires highly coherent output with very high power efficiency. This laser will be a technology enabler for the use of coherent lidar in power- and cooling-sensitive applications involving Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAVs). Other noteworthy applications include long-range, high-bandwidth undersea communications using coherent detection. The laser described here has many commercialization opportunities. First of all, there are relatively few single-frequency sources available and those available tend to be bulky and inefficient. The commercial-scientific laser market would welcome a reliable, efficient and economical single-frequency laser product. Several companies specializing in sophisticated solid-state lasers could function as distribution channels for a commercial product

This laser utilizes an unique cavity and pumping design that will permit a much smaller, lighter-weight and lower power-consumption single-frequency laser. The cavity provides proper mode matching and cavity length using a much shorter distance than typical linear laser cavities, and the pump approach minimizes diode and laser-crystal cooling requirements. The low overall power-consumption and compact size for the Yb:YAG laser this provides tremendous freedom in packing, cooling and powering the laser, enabling applications in lidar, basic research, metrology, remote sensing, semiconductor processing and other manufacturing applications