Polychromatic guide-stars using novel optically pumped semiconductor disk lasers

During the last two decades, vertical-external-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VECSELs) have emerged as excellent high-power laser sources that combine diode-pumping, broad-pump tolerance, wavelength selectivity, narrow linewidth, broad tunability, high beam quality, compactness, and efficiency into one attractive package. These characteristics make them an ideal candidate for use as more economical and versatile sources for laser guide stars (LGS). The objective of this proposal is to demonstrate novel concepts in heat mitigation and pumping schemes to effectively harness such attributes for implementing a VECSEL-based polychromatic laser guide star (PLGS). The combined and complementary expertise of Crystalline Mirror Solutions (CMS) in epitaxial growth and fabrication, and UNMs pioneering excellence in VECSEL research, particularly in the area of PLGS, makes us the ideal team to tackle these timely subjects. Thus, in the course of this Phase-I STTR project, we will pursue novel solutions for realizing significant improvements in the size, weight, and power (SWaP) of sodium guidestar lasers by leveraging the unique capabilities of VECSEL-based light sources.