High Repetition Rate Mid-Infrared Lasers

This proposal outlines the development of a high repetition rate high power, solid state laser to efficiently generate coherent energy in tunable wavelengths in the 3-5 micron range. The effort will utilize a 3OW CW-diode pumped Nd:YAG laser that has already been developed. This source will be combined with KTP OPO's to generate wavelengths in the 2 micron range at relatively high power. In the final stage efficient conversion to relatively high average power output in the 3 to 5 micron range will be demonstrated using ZnGePO4 OPOs. Further development of the 3OW CW-diode pumped ND:YAG source to the 10OW power level will assure success in the transition to the Phase II development where production of powers greater than 3OW in the 3-5 micron range will be achieved.