Miniature Ultraviolet (UV) Laser Source below 280 nanometers (nm)

This small Business Innovation Research Phase I project seeks to develop innovative miniaturized deep-ultraviolet (UV) laser source module capable to provide average output power of more than 1.0 Watt at the peak wavelength of 266 nm (treated as solar blind less than 280 nm). The laser source is integrated into the small-form factor telecom standard 14-pins butterfly package. The miniature and high power UV laser source is needed for LIDAR based imaging system suitable for hand-held, helmet-mountable, or for UAV applications. UV- LIDAR based imaging systems would be able to see though many natural or man-made obscurants. Very small form-factor UV source designs may also offer opportunity for free space communication. To date, as a UV source, mercury lamps and UV-LEDs are available for numerous commercial applications such as water and air purification, bio-medical equipment for diagnosis and therapy etc. However, the lamps and UV-LEDs are not suitable for LIDAR based imaging, as requiring for next generation military system. A goal in Phase-I program is to carry on research and development of proposed miniature UV (266 nm) laser source, to offer high average output power. Banpil will perform: (a) identifying and carrying out the conceptual design, modeling and simulation of the proposed UV laser source, (b) design and simulation of the process for fabricating prototyped UV-laser source, and (c) thermal design to make efficient package for high reliable laser source module to achieve target performance at 300K in Phase-I. Recognizing the vast application potential of Banpil"s miniature UV laser source, several industrial partners have expressed strong interest in using and commercializing this technology. In Phase II, Banpil will work DoD for specific appllication and also with several leading system companies, as a part of commercialization of the UV-laser source technology.