Scalable Coherent High Power Vertical Cavity Diode Laser Array

Aerius Photonics proposes to develop a high-power coherently combined laser based on Vertical-Cavity Surface Emitting Laser (VCSEL) arrays. In Phase II, Aerius will develop the scalable technologies needed to fabricate a coherently combined VCSEL array, and at the end of Phase II, will demonstrate a coherently combined VCSEL array. A coherently combined diode laser is attractive for directly producing a high-quality coherent beam, thereby eliminating the requirement for mode conversion in solid-state lasers. This increases overall system efficiency and enables smaller, lower cost more mobile laser based systems. Such systems could be applied to directed energy weapons requiring 100 kWs of power. In Phase I, Aerius performed a feasibility study and proof of principle experiments demonstrating the feasibility of the proposed approach and the necessary scalable technologies for realizing a large form factor device were identified. In Phase II, these scalable technologies will be developed in depth towards building a coherently combined VCSEL array.