A Compact Self-Switching/Modulation 2 micron Ceramic Laser

For remote sensing of laser/lidar technology and global environment monitoring applications, the pulsed coherent Doppler lidars are of considerable contemporary interest as an effective tool. At present, the coherent 2-ƒÝm laser radar has been used to replaced CO2 gas laser (10.6-ƒÝm) for its higher spatial and velocity resolution. Considering the commercial 2 micron laser systems are complex and expensive, Boston Applied Technologies proposes a new laser gain medium by a revolutionary ceramic laser material technology where the host ceramic is highly transparent, active and possess electro-optic character itself. By doping with specified rare earth ions, it is easily to reach the 2-ƒÝm emission. The resultant laser transmitter will be an all solid-state, diode-pumped, room-temperature operation, 2 micron laser system producing laser pulses of 2 to 200 mJ at 10 to 200 Hz repetition rate. This all diode-pumped laser will be compact, reliable, cost-effective and also capable of operating in aircraft and planetary environmental extremes.