Super Efficient Compact Kilowatt Laser (SPECKLE)

The Navy and the DoD have made a substantial investment in fiber-based high-energy lasers (HELs). Low size, weight and power (SWaP) is required for deployment of the HELs on mobile platforms. The SWaP of fiber-based HELs is largely dictated by the efficiency and SWaP of laser diode fiber coupled modules (FCMs). SRL’s patent protected ITAR technology provides the highest efficiency and lowest SWaP FCMs for several reasons including:?     It uses high fill-factor (20%) laser diode bars with emitter spacing of 500 microns,?     Lowest resistance microchannel coolers that preserve efficiency and brightness at high operating power, and?     Direct bonding of the laser diode bars to the copper microchannel coolers. Under Phase 1, SRL will experimentally demonstrate the feasibility of a 60% efficient, kilowatt, low-SWaP (0.6cc/W, 0.6g/W) FCM. Such FCMs are essential for ship-based defense. It is noteworthy that there are no state-of-the-art or commercial-off-the-shelf kilowatt FCMs available. In Phase 2 SRL will deliver six, 60% efficient low-SWaP FCMs to a facility of the Navy’s choosing. These FCMs will be the basis for demonstrating a >45%, 5kW high-power fiber laser.