Efficient Manufacture of Flanged Composite Yb:YAG Laser Rods for kW-Class Lasers

"Military and commercial applications of diode pumped solid state lasers (DPSSL) using end-pumped flanged Yb:YAG composite rods, incorporating Onyx Optics Adhesive-Free Bond (AFB) and flange-finishing technology, have the potential for significant growthbecause they represent a new class of compact, efficient and economical high-brightness lasers. They are expected to be crucial as a laser-radar (LADAR) device and as illuminator laser for programs such the Airborne Laser (ABL). For commercial applicationsthey are expected to improve the quality of traditional laser machining techniques and enable new applications such as welding of aluminum car bodies, and cutting of aluminum and titanium for aircraft parts. Therefore, this laser system offers to leveragecommercial volume production for supplying a high-performance, low-cost laser system for incorporation into BMD systems.The scale-up of flanged Yb:YAG composite rods for kilowatt-class lasers poses the problem of developing a production process of a lasing element of complex shape. Onyx pioneered the manufacture of such rods in prototype quantities. Onyx Optics now proposesto break new ground in the development of a cost-effective manufacturing process for production quantities of flanged Yb:YAG composite rods with polished barrels. The proposed production process would form the basis for opening a large market for military and commercial high-power laser-diode end-pumped solid state