SELF FREQUENCY MODULATED 1.3 MICROMETER MICROLASER

High power, efficient, compact laser sources are required by the Air Force in the near future for communications and other applications. Our novel approach to these requirements comprises a diode-pumped, electro-optically tunable, single frequency monolithic microlaser. In such a device, the output frequency is tuned simply by applying a voltage to the laser. This is in contrast to slower frequency-fast linewidth of 10 kHz; making it ideal for coherent communications. Microlaser technology combines this potential with compactness and low cost and represents a substantial improvement over current state-of-the-art non-planar lasers. The Phase I program includes the demonstration of a narrow linewidth, frequency stable infrared micro laser, together with the design of a diode pumped amplifier with 20 - 50 Watt average power.