Compact, High-Efficiency, Eye-Safe, Fiber Laser for LADAR Applications

The Navy requires high power laser sources for of eye-safe range-gated imaging LADARs. Conventional eye safe laser sources using diode-pumped solid-state laser (DPSSL) and optical parametric oscillator (OPO) technologies have difficulty to meet thepackaging requirements and to operate with constant pulse width at variable repetition rate. In Phase I of this project, Aculight has demonstrated all the specifications required for an efficient fiber lasers system with short pulse lengths independent ofrepetition rate, and a full power packaging design. The novel approach enables flexible compact packaging without the need for any free space propagation and leverages heavily from the telecommunications industry, using off the shelf fiber-opticcomponents where available. In Phase II Aculight will deliver a full power all-fiber laser transmitter meeting the Navy requirements. This work will develop a novel all-fiber-based eye safe laser source for a variety of military applications, includinglaser rangefinders and range imaging LADAR systems. Commercial applications include (1) a laser source for medical diagnostics, and (2) industrial processing applications.