Technology Transitioning of Phase II Scalable Adaptive Fiber-Array Elements (SAFARE)

The ongoing SAFARE STTR Phase II effort is focused on improving essential components for the high-energy coherently combined, fiber-based phased-array laser weapon system prototypes developed under the DARPA Excalibur program and significantly reduce system size, weight and required electrical power (SWaP). Fiber-array based laser weapons technology promises high power efficiency and reduced SWaP, making them appealing for many military platforms. The proposed enhancement will further increase the energy efficiency, reliability, and adaptability of these laser systems while reducing maintenance costs by creating modular, replaceable subcomponents. These upgrades greatly increase usability for DoD directed energy applications, while closing technology gaps for their entrance into the commercial laser manufacturing market.