The goal of this proposed Phase I effort is to design and demonstrate a monolithic architecture for two-dimensional, all-electronic beam steering of a high power, mid-infrared laser. A photonic integrated circuit architecture is described which contains a widely tunable, mid-infrared quantum cascade laser integrated with a phase-adjustable amplifier array and a high efficiency grating outcoupler. This will enable electronic beam steering over a wide range, along with high power output which is desirable for IRCM applications. This proposal outlines the design, fabrication, and testing goals, which include features for mitigating atmospheric absorption and phase control over individual emitters.
Benefit: The proposed monolithic mid-infrared beam steering system will eliminate the need for bulky and slow gimbal mounts for directing high power mid-infrared lasers toward remote targets. Our technology is based on a single compact chip, and the steering mechanism is electrically controllable, with no moving parts. In addition to use in next generation infrared countermeasure systems, this technology can also be used as a reconfigurable illumination source for active infrared imaging. Specific areas can be targeted on a remote object with both position and wavelength control. This has potential for real-time hyperspectral imaging of chemical residue in a simplified system configuration.
Keywords: Quantum Cascade Laser, Quantum Cascade Laser, Optical phased array, Electronic beam steering
