Mid-Infrared Fiber Coupler for Multiband Infrared Countermeasure (IRCM) Lasers

There is a compelling need for scaling the output of mid-infrared lasers to much higher power, brightness, and energy. Applications of such sources include spectroscopic detection of the"fingerprint"of molecular absorptions and infrared countermeasure systems in response to increasingly sophisticated seeker technologies and increased threat ranges. We propose a Phase I configuration that demonstrates: 1) brightness scaling by combining multiple laser elements within a wavelength band (4 & #181m); and 2) brightness scaling by using 2 to 1 fiber combiner, with each input leg at different wavelength band. TeraDiode"s unique technology will offer scalability of power and brightness to over an order-of-magnitude from that of present Mid-IR laser systems, to the 100-W-class for the Phase II demonstration.