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Robust Multifunction Laser

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Air Force
Contract: N/A
Agency Tracking Number: 36235
Amount: $100,000.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: N/A
Solicitation Number: N/A
Timeline
Solicitation Year: N/A
Award Year: 1997
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
40 Lake Bellevue, Ste. 100
Bellevue, WA 98005
United States
DUNS: N/A
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Jeffrey W. Pierce
 (206) 451-9558
Business Contact
Phone: () -
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

The high cost of near-to-mid infrared laser sources is problematic for many military applications, such as seekers where sources are short lived. Order-of-magnitude cost reductions are needed for 10-20 watt, 1-micron lasers. The proposed approach to reducing costs involves using novel manufacturing processes to greatly reduce parts count and assembly time, thus reducing cost. When applied to a diode-pumped Nd:YVO4 laser, the cost-reduction concepts lead to a planar resonator geometry with a side-pumped miniature slab gain medium. Gain is deposited close to the pumped face, and extraction is aided by total internal reflection of the circulating beam. Thermal-induced optical distortion is the primary concern with this geometry. Phase I will address optical distortion through construction of a two-bar-pumped Nd:YVO4 gain module. Optical distortions will be measured interferometrically. The results will then be applied to a resonator analysis, where the goal is to devise a method for compensating the distortion. A subsequent design of a scaled-up laser will be carried out, with the expected result being a definition for a low-cost 20-Watt laser.

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

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