Variable Pulsewidth, Variable Energy Laser Source

The Army desires a laser source with the ability to vary the pulse width from 2 ns to160 ns, while maintaining constant energy per pulse. A secondary desire is to vary output energy from 1 to 10 mJ, with a limit of 500kW. Fibertek has developed a novel approach to meet both of these goals. Fibertek will also develop a design for electronics control and cooling and a Graphical User Interface. Fibertek has a long history of developing small laser designators including the introductionof diode-pumped lasers to the military market. Fibertek was also heavily involved with the development of athermal lasers and laser larkers. A central thrust to laser designator and marker development is the use of shorter than historical pulse lengths for laser designators. This device will allow the Army to quickly and accurately test seeker heads with varying pulse widths and energy levels. This will allow development of shorter pulse lasers to continue to proliferate, reducing the size, power and weight of equipment carried by the warfighter.