Highly Efficient High-Power Amplifiers for Optical Communication

SDL, Inc. proposes to develop a high power 2-D semiconductor laser diode array operating at a wavelength of 1.91 um for pumping of Ho-doped solid state lasers. The proposed laser uses recent advances achieved at SDL with InGaAs/InGaAsP strained-layer quantum well lasers grown on InP substrates. By pumping at 1.91 um, high pumping efficiency with low upconversion losses may be attained. Use of 1.91 um pump lasers enables the use of compact and efficient solid-state lasers emitting in the 2.0-2.1 um wavelength range for lidar, DIAL and Doppler lidar in several NASA missions. SDL, Inc. has demonstrated the highest powers, efficiencies and reliabilities at laser wavelengths from 630-2000 nm, including 5.6 W CW at 2.0 um, and is therefore uniquely qualified to complete the proposed research.