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High-Efficiency, High-Temperature Laser Diodes for Naval High-Energy Laser Applications

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Navy
Contract: N68936-12-C-0144
Agency Tracking Number: N121-013-1178
Amount: $149,907.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: N121-013
Solicitation Number: 2012.1
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2012
Award Year: 2012
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2012-06-04
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2013-09-18
Small Business Information
5408 NE 88th Street, Bldg E
Vancouver, WA -
United States
DUNS: 799811646
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Zhigang Chen
 Principal Investigator
 (360) 566-4460
 zhigang.chen@nlight.net
Business Contact
 Huimin Huang
Title: Staff Accountant
Phone: (360) 566-4460
Email: huimin.huang@nlight.net
Research Institution
 Stub
Abstract

Improving efficiency as well as increasing operating temperature of laser diode pumps for high-power fiber lasers has a far-reaching implication in terms of significantly improving the overall stringent size, weight and power (SWAP) requirements, thus enabling DEW-class fiber lasers on airborne platforms. As a result, there is currently great interest in the further development of high-power, high-efficiency, fiber-coupled diode laser pumps around 975 nm that operate at higher ambient temperatures. nLight has demonstrated world-class high-power and high-efficiency laser diodes at 975 nm. Using these successful techniques and innovative diode design concepts, nLight will optimize 975-nm laser diodes to produce maximum efficiency at 70 C and higher operating temperatures. nLight will develop higher thermal conductivity submounts in order to reduce junction temperature of the diodes, therefore achieving maximum efficiency at high operating temperatures. In addition, nLight will significantly reduce optical-to-optical losses of the fiber coupling architecture, thus maintaining the electrical-to-optical power conversion efficiency of the diode laser pumps. Under the proposed Phase 1 program, nLight will design, fabricate, and deliver to the Navy (or recipient of its choosing) a 25-W, 975-nm fiber-coupled (200 m / 0.22 NA) laser module with a power conversion efficiency of>65% at 25 C.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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