High Power, High Repetition Rate, Pulsed, Blue Laser for ASW Purposes

It is necessary to use blue-green lasers for underwater optical imaging for anti-submarine warfare, location of mines and other tactical underwater targets since the penetration depth for ranging/imaging illumination depends upon the optical attenuation coefficient in various types of waters. The minimum optical attenuation coefficient for ocean waters is found in the blue-green part of the spectrum. Suitable laser transmitter technology needs to be insensitive to environmental conditions as well as compact, lightweight, and efficient. This proposal describes a laser concept for a lightweight, compact, high efficiency, pulsed blue laser transmitter operating in the 470-475 nm range.