Ultra-Compact Solid-State Driver Technology for Improving the Performance & Lifetime of Laser Diode/Diode Arrays Operating at High Power

This SBIR Phase I project will develop novel solid-state drivers with integrated fault-mode protection for driving laser diode arrays at very high power with improved reliability and long life. Current filamentation in laser diodes is a primary failure mechanism at the elevated power levels required by High Energy Lasers (HELs) and laser weapons. Eliminating current filamentation with advanced power electronics is essential to improving diode array performance and reliability. SRL will develop diagnostics to monitor laser diode performance and detect the on-set of current filamentation in diode arrays. Driver electronics can then rapidly change electrical power, and preserve the operating capability of diode arrays, without the loss of average output optical power. This technology program is focused on developing a compact and lightweight diode driver that leads directly to longer life, higher beam quality, higher efficiency, and lower cost-of-ownership for high power diode arrays, when employed for a broad range of both tactical and strategic military missions. These missions range from tactical (theater) missile defense, to defense of aircraft, to defense against ballistic missiles from space-, ground-, and sea-based platforms. At lower power, this modular technology will also impact lower power applications such as laser range-finders and target designators.