Mid-Infrared Laser Beam Combining Module for Infrared Countermeasure Application

There is a compelling need for scaling the output of mid-infrared lasers to much higher power, brightness, and energy, particularly for infrared countermeasure application. We propose a Phase I configuration that demonstrates WBC of four (4) quantum cascade lasers in a single waveband (Band 4b). This achievement will substantiate the feasibility of WBC cavities constructed with QCL active devices. The Phase II configuration would then extend this to the>20 W QCW operational regime with active devices grown as multi-emitter bar arrays. In addition, we propose to construct the Phase II demonstrator to be a multiband device such that there will be laser bar arrays emitting at both Band 4a and Band 4b wavelengths which will share the common cavity, i.e., there will be a single output beam which is comprised of>20 W of quasi-CW (QCW) emission at each of the two wavebands. This demonstrator will establish both the power scalability of the WBC configuration and the ability to design and operate single laser cavities at multiple IRCM wavebands.