Alignment-free Fast Frequency-addressable Fiber Laser for OPC Laser Tracking Systems

Tunable single frequency high power lasers have been considered to be an enabling technology for Air Force’s active laser tracking systems for space surveillance and control. PolarOnyx proposes, for the first time, an ultra fast electronically tuned high power (100 mW) single frequency (< 1 KHz) fiber laser source to meet with the requirement of active laser tracking systems for fast and accurate frequency tuning. It is a specialty fiber based ring cavity, while the fast and wide tuning is achieved by using an electro-optical tunable filter. The tuning frequency can be addressed accurately and repeatedly without any hysteresis associated. In Phase I time frame, we have demonstrated in experiment major functions of the proposed fiber laser, such as high power, single frequency, stability, and high speed frequency tuning. Packaging feasibility is also successfully investigated. These provide a solid foundation for further fine tuning of the approach in Phase II. A compact prototype will be delivered at the end of Phase II.