Microchip Laser Beam Switch

"This program addresses the development of a solid-state optical switching technology. Current optical switches do not simultaneously meet the requirements of high speed, low loss, high extinction ratio, low power consumption, high damage threshold, andhigh reliability. Sub-microsecond and multiple-port optical switches of low loss and low cost are long sought after performance attributes. This type of high performance optical switches is in great demand for use in modern defense systems and opticalcommunication networks. AGILTRON Inc. proposes to develop a micro-optic solid-state laser beam switching technology, using new crystal materials having large electro-optic effect and excellent thermal stability. This platform technology potentiallyoffers state-of-the-art performance attributes of electro-optic high-speed operation and low optical insertion loss, low cost via matured production method, as well as crystal ruggedness for high optical power handling and long-term stability. The designis free of piezoelectric resonance and potentially offers high fidelity steering and control of laser pulse propagation. Moreover, the design is simple, compact, and cost effective. It is anticipated that state-of-the-art performance in several keyspecifications can be achieved through this program. Prototype electro-optical switches will be fabricated to demonstrate functionality. It is anticipated that the proposed high performance switch w