High Energy Laser Diagnostics for Space Based Applications

"In support of the SBL-IFX program, the Air Force Research Laboratory is interested in the development of advanced laser diagnostics that will provide diagnostic and monitoring optical tools to contribute to the success of the SBL mission. We propose here anovel laser system that can be used in a variety of applications related to this mission and can play a key role in the success of the SBL program. This source is based on a continuous wave (CW), room temperature, widely tunable, single frequency,diode-pumped, doubly resonant optical parametric oscillator (DRO). The diode-pumped nature of this source results in a device that is compact, requires small amounts of power and offers the potential for packaging to meet final flight requirements. Wepropose an innovative and enabling technology with the potential to address many of the outstanding issues associated with the design and deployment of the IFX flight vehicle and future SBL missile defense system. The source has application in measuringkey HF laser parameters and has significant utility in a wide array of applications including sensing and combustion diagnostics."