High Speed Polarization Modulation of Microcavity Lasers for Laser Radar (LADAR) Applications

A need exists for polarization interrogating and discriminating Ladar systems to detect and discriminate defilade targets. In the proposed effort, Aerius, and our partner at the University of Illinois, will apply photonic crystal technology to extend Aerius’ high power, high wall plug efficiency, Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser (VCSEL) results to develop a stable polarization switched VCSEL source. The proposed effort will apply this device to a bread board coherent Ladar system demonstration in Phase I and a full-scanning Ladar system in Phase II. The application of this device will enable dynamic and rapid polarization diverse measurements to detect and discriminate defilade targets. The proposed approach addresses the historical inadequacies associated with stability and modulation speed of polarization controlled laser diodes. Additional applications for optical communications and other methods of remote sensing will also be investigated. Phase I will achieve TRL 3-4 and Phase II TRL level 6.