Four-Dimensional (4-D) Atmospheric and Oceanographic Instrumentation: A Novel Dual Wavelength Optical Beam Attenuation Meter for Automated Underwater

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I Project will produce a design for a monoblock configuration pulsed Er-Yb:glass micro-laser at 1540 nm, suitable for use in coastal LADAR applications at ranges greater than 1 km. Beside LADAR such a laserwould be an extremely useful tool for a number of important applications; range finding, remote sensing, optical communications, etc. Our preliminary analysis indicates that the best way to meet the requirements for this laser is through an approach basedon the optimal selection of pumping wavelength and cavity configuration, where both pumping and oscillation resonators form attached cavities. This method allows for scalability and versatility, while still achieving excellent performance in a relativelysimple and rugged monoblock configuration.The developed system will radically improve the characteristics of lasers at 1540 nm, bringing its construction to a monoblock micro-design. In the commercial sector, the proposed laser will serve as an idealsource for parametric oscillators, high data transfer rate communication systems, spectroscopy, clocks, etc.