Microchip Laser Beam Switch

This program addresses the development of a cutting edge optical switching technology for microchip laser. Leveraged on our industry leading solid-state optical switch commercialization expertise, AGILTRON Inc. is developing and perfecting a uniqueoptoceramic 1x4 switch. This program is focused on achieving desirable attributes of sub-microsecond switching speed, low power consumption, low optical loss, compact size, lightweight, and unmatched low cost. During Phase I, we have successfullydemonstrated the feasibility of sub-microsecond switching functionality covering a wide temperature range of -40oC to 80oC. We have also successfully demonstrated an efficient electronic driver that delivers the clean high speed switching features.Moreover, we have produced a functional Generation I Prototype 4 direction optical switch that is in a compact and low cost package. These results are world-class and state-of-the-art. Coupling with our volume optical switching production know-how, wepropose to further develop pre-production prototyping switches that meet all critical requirement for NAVY system applications. It is anticipated that the proposed high performance switch will have wide application in DoD systems such as photonic radarand fiberoptic microwave distribution network. The anticipated commercial communication switching market is very large with forecasted reaching billion dollars by year 2006.