Company
Portfolio Data
Back to Company SearchAQWEST, LLC
UEI: GELKYCZTCY69
Number of Employees: 9
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
SBIR/STTR Involvement
Year of first award: 2008
26
Phase I Awards
14
Phase II Awards
53.85%
Conversion Rate
$3,678,762
Phase I Dollars
$16,375,829
Phase II Dollars
$20,054,591
Total Awarded
Awards
Fiber coupled optical isolator for high average power and high pulse energy lasers
Amount: $179,998 Topic: AF233-0023
Aqwest proposes to develop innovative fiber-coupled isolators (FCI) that can handle high-average and peak powers in 2 µm pulsed fiber amplifiers now being developed by the U.S. Air Force (USAF) as a part of an all-fiber pulsed laser system. The FCI design will support the inclusion of common fiber components such as fiber tap couplers, mode field adapters, and spectral filters. Our FCI concept offers 1) Drastic reduction in thermal lensing and birefringence, 2) Commercially available Faraday material, 3) Active cooling to remove heat deposited by the laser beam, 4) Reduced likelihood of optical damage, and 5) Active temperature control to optimize optical isolation. The proposed project will leverage Aqwest earlier work in optical isolators (OI) and extensive 2 µm laser testing capabilities. In Phase I, we will conduct analytical and experimental validation of the innovative FCI concept to show that the Aqwest design can provide the capabilities targeted by the USAF. In particular, a pre-prototype FCI will be constructed and evaluated over the 1.9-2.1 um range. Using this data, we will anchor our models, refine the concept, generate a preliminary design for a prototype FCI to be developed in Phase II. Our efforts to-date already validated the magnetics and produced large size Faraday material. This early work at Aqwest offers a basis for accelerated development in Phase I. In Phase II, Aqwest will 1) develop and demonstrate a production prototype of a multi-component FCI meeting the objective requirements and 2) deliver it to AFRL/RDLT for assessment and testing. In Phase III, Aqwest will work with RDLT and industry partners to make their isolator design available to the DoD customer base as well as DoD industrial partners.
Tagged as:
SBIR
Phase I
2024
DOD
USAF
Accelerated High-Power Blue Laser Design Cycle Enabled by Deep Neural Networks
Amount: $999,878 Topic: N231-022
The US Navy needs a blue laser system (BLS) delivering high-peak-power pulses with high-repetition rate for standoff oceanographic sensing applications from aircraft. Current state-of-the-art (SOTA) blue lasers meet some of the required characteristics, but none can simultaneously meet all. This is in-part due to the complexity of the BLS architecture, which requires a time-consuming iterative process between experiments and design optimization to maximize device performance. Due to the large number of variables involved, such a conventional systematic study is impractical as it stresses the cost and timeline for laser development. To overcome these challenges, Aqwest is now developing an automated laser design process using neural networks (NN) and machine learning (ML) algorithms.Ā The NN-ML process is an emerging powerful alternative to the conventional optimization. This data-driven approach offers to replace much of the computationally taxing multi-physics (MP) simulations in optimization loops, and allows for loop automation to assist the design process and reduce design time. The NN-ML process offers generating BLS designs meeting the Navy size, weight, performance, and reliability requirements orders of magnitude faster compared to the conventional design process. This project will develop and demonstrate fully automated BLS design algorithms using the NN-ML methodology. A power-scalable BLS prototype meeting the NavyÆs size, weight, and performance will be created for experimental verification of the automated designs. One objective is to demonstrate that the BLS performance metrics are met with less than +/- 5% variations from the target performance specifications. Another objective is to attain design process acceleration by a factor of 50 compared to the conventional ōmanualö laser design method. Fully automated BLS design algorithms with detailed user manual and documentations will be delivered to the Navy.
Tagged as:
SBIR
Phase II
2024
DOD
NAVY
High Power Ultra-Short Pulse Bulk Laser Amplifier at Eye-Safer Wavelengths
Amount: $2,999,936 Topic: N121-059
Aqwest proposes to further advance a novel solid-state laser operating in the vicinity of the eye-safer 2 µm wavelength and develop corresponding laser subsystems addressing urgent Navy needs. Eye-safer lasers offer improved safety, which is important for remote sensing, propagation through the atmosphere, interaction with targets, and material processing in factories. The innovative laser will generate short pulses (nanosecond scale) at high pulse repetition rate. The innovative laser is based trivalent thulium Tm ion doped into emerging high-performance host material. The Tm laser ion offers lasing over a broad tuning bandwidth, which allows for tuning into atmospheric windows for good propagation over long distances. In particular, we will develop a laser assembly operating at user-selectable wavelength for use in atmospheric propagation. In addition, we will develop 2 µm laser that is as harmonically converted into blue spectrum laser and a laser with MHz linewidth for remote sensing.
Tagged as:
SBIR
Phase II
2024
DOD
NAVY
Wavelength Tunable Visible Picosecond Laser
Amount: $1,149,980 Topic: C53-12a
C53-12a-271184Photocathodes are critical for generation of high-brightness electron beams in accelerators that are used in science, industry, and medical disciplines. A visible wavelength-tunable picoseconds laser is required to support optimization of photocathodes leading to more compact, high-performance, and cost-effective systems. Such lasers are not available commercially. With new sources of high-brightness electron beams affordable for universities, commercial laboratories (e.g., semiconductor material development), and hospitals, the US would be able to maintain its technological leadership. In Phase I, we constructed a proof-of-principle Demonstrator system and experimentally validated our concept. We demonstrated key parameters targeted by the DOE including wavelength tunability from 484 to 643 nm, pulse energy up to 425 µJ, and output bandwidth as low as 1 nm. We characterized the performance of the demonstrator system, anchored our predictive models, confirmed energetics, validated the pulse synchronization, and used these results to design the Phase II Prototype driver. Our accomplishments generated an interest by the researchers at a DOE laboratory. In Phase II, we will develop and characterize a prototype photocathode drive laser meeting the DOE functional requirements. Results of Phase I will be extended using our validated approach. Effective thermal management will be implemented for the PA, harmonic conversion crystals, and the OPA crystals to facilitate continuous operation at high-average power. Wavelength selection under computer control with a feedback loop will be created. Means for pulse selection and generation of the objective waveform will be developed. Pulse synchronization at picosecond level will be matured. Spatial pulse shaping will be provided. Temporal pulse shaping will be evaluated. The resulting laser system will be a full-scale prototype offering a direct path to a photocathode drive laser deliverable in Phase III. Commercial applications for a tunable high-average power laser based on the Aqwest concept include science, remote environmental sensing (illuminator for active hyperspectral imaging), and industrial laser material processing.
Tagged as:
SBIR
Phase II
2023
DOE
Satellite Shielding Against Directed Energy Threats
Amount: $149,947 Topic: SF222-0023
Aqwest proposes to develop hardware solution that improves resiliency of satellites to directed energy threats. Our solution is a low-weight and cost-effective add-on, which is compatible with existing typical satellite systems, components, and modes of operation. In Phase I, we will define requirements for the technology to survive and operate within intended space, spacecraft, and DE threat environments. We will perform modeling to estimate effectiveness of the technology and conduct DE exposure testing on relevant scale to validate our approach. We will generate plans for execution of Phase II and for technology transition to end users. In Phase II, we will design, analyze, build, and ground test the technology, showing capability to survive and perform in the space, spacecraft, and DE threat environment. If necessary, space qualification testing may be performed so that Aqwest would be prepared to sell the product to the space market at the end of Phase II. In Phase III (Dual Use Applications), Aqwest will design, build, deliver, and support an experiment to allow the USSF to demonstrate the technology in a combined effects environment.
Tagged as:
SBIR
Phase I
2023
DOD
USAF
Accelerated High-Power Blue Laser Design Cycle Enabled by Deep Neural Networks
Amount: $239,897 Topic: N231-022
Aqwest LLC proposes to develop an automated design process using using neural networksĀ and machine learningĀ algorithms, which is adapted for a high-peak-power for a blue laser system with high-repetition-rate. The neural networks-machine learning process will generate blue laser system designs meeting the Navy size, weight, performance, and reliability requirements 50 times faster compared to the conventional ōmanualö laser design process. The neural networks-machine learning offers key benefits to the US Navy, namely anĀautomated blue laser design algorithms generating results within ▒5% variation of the target, which addresses all design parameters of a multistage laser architecture. The algorithmsĀwill beĀverified on a physical prototype and benchmarked to verify time reduction.ĀThe resulting algorithms supportĀa range of blue laser architectures including solid-state laser and optical parametric oscillators. They are also adaptable toĀdesigning and optimizing of a broad range of laser systems, and extendableĀto address multi-parameter problems in other fields.
Tagged as:
SBIR
Phase I
2023
DOD
NAVY
Wavelength-Tunable Visible Picosecond Laser
Amount: $199,950 Topic: C53-12a
Photocathodes are critical for generation of high-brightness electron beams in accelerators that are used in science, industry, and medical disciplines. A visible wavelength-tunable picoseconds laser is required to support optimization of photocathodes leading to more compact, high-performance, and cost-effective systems. Such lasers are not available commercially. With new sources of high-brightness electron beams affordable for universities, commercial laboratories (e.g., semiconductor material development), and hospitals, the US would be able to maintain its technological leadership. In the proposed Phase I, we will experimentally validate and characterize the performance of Aqwest’s concept, anchor our predictive models, validate future scaling, and use these results to design a Phase II prototype driver. Means for pulse selection and synchronization will be evaluated. We will also generate plans for Phase II and eventual commercialization. In Phase II, we plan to develop and demonstrate a photocathode drive laser meeting the DOE functional requirements. Commercialization plans will be further refined and put into effect. Our innovative architecture enabled by the advent of SC lasers offers a direct path to the development and early deployment of visible wavelength- tunable photocathode drivers. The tunable laser developed by this project will also become an important tool for a broad range of applications. For example, in laser material processing such as cutting, welding, surface treatment, 3D printing, a tunable high-average power laser offers a new capability to precisely tune into specific absorption features of the workpiece. This new capability promises to revolutionize the field and possibly create new industry segments. A tunable blue-to-red laser is also needed for medical imaging and photodynamic therapy for cancer. A tunable laser scanning through the spectrum is desired as an illuminator for active hyper-spectral imaging for long-standoff remote sensing especially for ecological, environmental, agricultural, and industrial purposes.
Tagged as:
SBIR
Phase I
2022
DOE
High-Pulse Energy / High-Repetition Rate Laser
Amount: $1,099,941 Topic: 25c
Inertial confinement fusion (ICF) offers to tap almost unlimited sources of inexpensive energy. This new energy source would free the U.S. from the dependence on hydrocarbon fuels, the use of which produces green-house gases (GHG). The proposed laser driver would greatly advance the ICF maturity and its transition to commercial IFE for generation of electricity by circumventing the engineering challenges to the conventional hot spot ignition (HSI). Availability of low-cost and non-polluting electric power would revolutionize transportation and manufacturing sectors, thus boosting the overall economy. Reduced dependence on hydrocarbon fuels would also reduce to size overstated importance of hydrocarbon-producing countries, thus, improving geopolitical balance. The proposed technology also offers to advance laser acceleration of nuclear particles, thus replacing the traditional mammoth-size and costly accelerator research facilities with room-size devices. Compactness and relative simplicity of laser accelerators promises to greatly reduce the cost and timelines of high-energy research, and advance new scientific discoveries. As particle research could become affordable for universities or even commercial laboratories, the U.S. would be able to maintain leadership. In Phase I, Aqwest investigated a compact liquid-cooled laser gain module as a building block for a HPE / HRR laser for the generation and heating of HEDP. The innovative gain module leverages and further extends Aqwest's edge- pumped disk laser (EPDL) technology, which enables efficient amplification of high-energy pulses with high-peak power at high repletion rate, high efficiency, and with near-diffraction-limited beam quality (BQ). In particular, we developed a preliminary design for the compact EPDL amplifier module offering a common architecture customizable for specialty applications. In Phase II, we will develop and demonstrate full-scale HPE / HRR laser gain module(s) based on the Phase I “common architecture” designs, construct advanced heat sink for removal of waste heat, and generate a design for multi-module amplifier. This work will validate the compact EPDL-based liquid-cooled gain module as a building block for a HPE / HRR laser for the generation and heating of HEDP. The proposed project would greatly advance research in planetary astrophysics, geophysics, materials science, medicine, ICF, and defense. In commercial applications, EPDL offers to supplant the German-made thin disk laser, which has been the dominant technology for laser material processing for the last 15 years.
Tagged as:
SBIR
Phase II
2020
DOE
Compact and Efficient High-Pulse Energy 2-Micron Lidar Transmitter
Amount: $124,961 Topic: S1
The current state-of-the-artnbsp; 2-micro;m lidar transmitters for global wind and the CO2 measurement use Ho3+ laser ions respectively doped into LuLiF or YLF host. Ho3+ is typically pumped to a laser transition by a 1.9 micro;m Tm-based laser which, in-turn, is pumped by semiconductor diodes. This 2-step process compromises electro-optical efficiency and generates significant waste heat while adding volume and weight to the transmitter payload.Aqwest proposes to develop a novel, efficient, compact, and rugged lidar transmitter based on Tm doped into an innovative ceramic host material. This transformational Tm:ceramic material offers efficient lasing in the vicinity of 2050 nm while being directly pumped by 796-nm diodes, thus resulting in a very simple architecture, more compact packaging, lighter weight, and more efficient operation when compared to the traditional quot;Tm-pumped Hoquot; laser transmitters for global wind and the CO2 measurement. The Tm:ceramic transmitter offers high-pulse energy and high-repetition rate in the vicinity of 2050 nm. Aqwest recently demonstrated efficient lasing in ceramic Tm:ceramic with a record continuous wavelength tuning over 230 nm (1890-2120 nm). We are currently developing a kW-class average power 2 micro;m laser based on the same Tm:ceramic Department of Energy.
Tagged as:
SBIR
Phase I
2020
NASA
Scalable Compact Ultra-short Pulse Laser Systems (SCUPLS)
Amount: $1,665,808 Topic: N183-139
The US Marine Corps (USMC) is seeking an innovative solution to develop a Scalable Compact Ultra-short Pulse Laser System (SCUPLS), a weapon system (WS) capable of delivering two types of laser pulses: 1) femtosecond (fs) pulses for plasma ignition and 2) nanosecond (ns) pulses to flash-heat the ignited plasma to create enhanced non-lethal effects such as flash bang, thermal ablation for pain, and delivery of intelligible voice commands at range. The lightweight and energy-efficient Ultra-Short Pulse Laser (USPL) required for SCUPLS is not available commercially. In the Phase I project, Aqwest identified the design concepts for the SCUPLS WS, validated a preamplifier design, and formulated Phase II plans for the development of a prototype / demonstrator system. In particular, we identified a path to reducing the overall SCUPLS size, weight, power consumption, and thermal load to enable deployment on a small tactical platform.Ā Where advantageous, we utilized USPL concepts and designs which were recently developed by Aqwest for the US Government.Ā Aqwest USPL designs and hardware already have a significant level of development, which allows for an expedited transition to field testing.Ā In Phase II, Aqwest will develop and deliver the prototype demonstrator laser assembly (DLA) to support USMC's research in pulse propagation through air and pulse effects on targets. This functional, stand-alone laser system will be a delivered for future system integration with a beam director (launch optics) as an initial step toward the development of the full SCUPLS WS.
Tagged as:
SBIR
Phase II
2020
DOD
NAVY