Novel Fiber Laser for direct lasing in the Mid-Infrared

The current DIRCM laser solutions in the mid-infrared (3-5 micron) suffer limitations and disadvantages such as excessive size and weight, long initial cool-down time (cryogenic temperatures), short operating time, limited duty cycle, complex packaging, low wall plug efficiency, poor beam quality and limited output power. These limitations and disadvantages make it difficult to utilize these lasers on space-limited combat aircraft. IRFlex proposes an innovative solution to this problem that leverages recent advances in mid-infrared fiber technology. The proposed work will demonstrate lab operation of an innovative new fiber laser doped with rare-earth for direct lasing in the mid-infrared. This new fiber laser approach enables the development of next-generation DIRCM lasers with the required power (multi-Watt class), compactness, lightweight, electrical efficiency, room temperature operation, good beam quality and robustness required for future DIRCM systems.