Ultra-Compact Laser Radar

"This program will develop a new approach for laser transmitters for ultra-compact space-based ladar systems. The technology proposed has the potential for reducing the size, weight and cost of the laser transmitter by an order of magnitude over existingdevices with the same average power. The laser design incorporates a novel multi-pass diode-pumped solid-state gain module that is optimized for efficiency and thermal management. This laser will find application as the transmitter for both short-pulsedirect-detection and coherent ladar systems. The novel solid-state laser technology to be developed will decrease the size, weight and cost of high-power diode-pumped lasers. These reductions will make affordable new applications including materialsprocessing and large area displays."