SBIR-STTR Award

The technical goal of this proposal is to design and develop a comprehensive USPL architecture that automatically monitors and corrects the temporal, spatial, and spectral characteristics of the output pulses thereby eliminating the need for an expert laser operator. USPL computer control has been restricted to trivial aspects like on/off, power, and repetition rate. We propose the design and production of laser systems with automated pulse tailoring technology (USPL-APTT) that have the simplest user interface (Ready-to-Fire). Only when configuration (specific mission) requires or when used by a scientist (research), would one need full access to pulse shaping/monitoring modules. Otherwise, the USPL-APTT constantly monitors its performance and corrects any deviation using on-board pulse shaper without interrupting the laser output. All adjustments are made through phase/amplitude spectral control without moving parts. To accomplish the technical goal the system must: measure the spectral and/or temporal properties of the pulse at the target, correct laser pulses spectral and temporal properties at the target, be modular in design to conform to different lasers, be capable of autonomous calibration and operation, continually monitor the operation of the system, adjusting when necessary. Incorporation into mobile/airborne USPL systems will require the tailoring technology to be compact and rugged.

Benefit:
The benefits will be achieved by attaining the ultimate goal of this initiative - the production of USPL-APTT systems. It would enable wide-spread use of USPL systems for industrial, medical and defense applications as its successful development would result in modular and fully automated system that would simplify USPL utilization across all of its application spectrum. In 2005, Biophotonic Solutions Inc. (BSI) demonstrated that it was possible to construct a module capable of measuring the pulse characteristics of a USPL and correcting them automatically without moving parts. Coherent Inc. licensed the technology from BSI and introduced the Silhouette pulse shaper which incorporated Biophotonic Solutions' technology to measure and compress the output of USPL systems. In the last five years Biophotonic Solutions has greatly improved on the technology, has produced award winning systems, and is now able to propose the design and production of laser systems with automated pulse tailoring technology (USPL-APTT).

Keywords:
fiber laser, fiber laser, ultrafast fiber laser, ultrafast laser, pulse compression, pulse shaping, pulse measurement