Fiber-based, high-energy, ultra-short pulse eye-safe source

Tactical laser sources delivering high-peak-power (from multi-MW to TW) in agile optical pulse trains at high pulse repetition frequency (PRF) in the eye-safe wavelength region are of interest for several military applications including proactive infrared countermeasures (PIRCM), non-lethal munitions, and remote sensing of battlefield threats. To meet the needs for future tactical lasers, Aculight proposes a transportable, highly flexible, fiber-based high-peak-power optical source capable of operating at eye-safe wavelengths. The proposed laser technology provides direct access to regimes of operation that are challenging or off limits for traditional pulsed solid-state sources intended for military use. The rugged, fiber-based nature of the laser enables rapid transition to battlefield deployment. The Phase I will demonstrate the feasibility of the approach through analysis culminating with a design for the Phase II laser. At the completion of Phase II, Aculight will deliver a breadboard all-fiber, eye-safe, high-energy, ultra-short pulse laser to the Navy for laboratory use.