Automated Ultrashort Pulsed Laser (USPL) Tailoring Technology

The technical goal of this proposal is to design and develop a comprehensive USPL architecture that automatically monitors and corrects the temporal, spatial, and spectral characteristics of the output pulses thereby eliminating the need for an expert laser operator. USPL computer control has been restricted to trivial aspects like on/off, power, and repetition rate. We propose the design and production of laser systems with automated pulse tailoring technology (USPL-APTT) that have the simplest user interface (Ready-to-Fire). Only when configuration (specific mission) requires or when used by a scientist (research), would one need full access to pulse shaping/monitoring modules. Otherwise, the USPL-APTT constantly monitors its performance and corrects any deviation using on-board pulse shaper without interrupting the laser output.. All adjustments are made through phase/amplitude spectral control without moving parts. To accomplish the technical goal the system must: measure the spectral and/or temporal properties of the pulse at the target, correct laser pulse"s spectral and temporal properties at the target, be modular in design to conform to different lasers, be capable of autonomous calibration and operation, continually monitor the operation of the system, adjusting when necessary. Incorporation into mobile/airborne USPL systems will require the tailoring technology to be compact and rugged.