Ultra-compact high power micro-chip lasers

A complete synthesis of semiconductor, solid-state as well as fiber laser technology for the mass production of miniature solid state lasers is proposed. The adaptation of micro-chip technology to semiconductor fabrication processes enables the implementation of automatic manufacturing techniques to the construction of solid-state lasers for the first time. The micro-chip is pumped by a diode laser, where both lasers are fixed onto a single heat sink using only one automatic tool involving automated vision equipment. Pulsed operation of the micro-chip lasers is enabled by additional micro-crystal elements inside the micro-chip laser cavity, allowing also for single frequency operation. Nonlinear frequency conversion can further be implemented to cover the whole spectral range from the UV to the far IR. The micro-chip laser pulses are amplified to the sub J energy level in large core fiber amplifiers pumped by high brightness diode lasers. The proposed micro-chip fiber laser system addresses the component need for advanced lidar instruments. By synthesizing semiconductor, micro-chip and fiber technology, a superior laser source is constructed. This novel laser source can be deployed in a variety of NASA applications, such as the measurement of planetary surface topography, general altimetry, cloud and aerosol mapping as well as mapping of wind fields.