Multi-Function Eyesafe Diode-Pumped Solid-State Laser Source

Coherent Technologies, Inc. proposes to develop an eyesafe diode-pumped solid-state laser source with multi-functional capabilities and significantly reduced weight, volume, and prime power requirements compared with existing systems. The low weight, small size, and high efficiency of the system, resulting from a novel design with dramatically reduced cooling requirements compared with existing eyesafe transmitters, make it suitable for airborne and spaceborne applications and other environments for which compactness is required. The laser transmitter, operating in the eyesafe band with excellent atmospheric transmission, delivers Q-switched pulses with an average optical power of 10 W while consuming only 200 W of prime power (i.e. 5 % wallplug efficiency). Multi-functional operation, with hard target range and microdoppler (vibration) measurement capabilities, is made possible by the low intrinsic heat load in the laser medium. The low heat load allows variation of the laser pulse repetition frequency over wide ranges, including operation at 50 mJ pulse energy at a pulse repetition frequency of 200 Hz, and single-shot eyesafe laser systems, the reduced cooling requirement in the proposed system eliminates the need for liquid coolants. The modular, fiber-pumped, low heat-load design results in a compact low-weight laser head.