Compact, Short-Pulse Laser Source for Active Imaging Systems

73137-Future active imaging systems for national security applications (for remote reconnaissance, monitoring and characterization of hard targets, and compact surveillance devices) require compact, rugged, and efficient short-pulse laser sources that can operate over a wide-repetition-rate range. To deploy these devices on ground, air, and space platforms, the new laser sources are required to increase the range and improve image resolution. This project will develop a short pulse, high power, high-repetition-rate laser source based on innovative fiber amplifier technology to meet these requirements. The approach uses recently developed components from the telecommunications industry to realize an all-fiber-based laser source that is efficient, compact, and very reliable. In Phase I, a very compact, robust, and small-size fiber laser system was built and delivered to the DOE. The feasibility of the concept was demonstrated by generating pulses with a peak power of 100 kW and a pulse duration of 700 ps. A preliminary design of a 10W, 1.54 ¿m power amplifier that generates <1 ns between 100 kHz -1000 kHz was completed. In Phase II, a pulsed fiber laser system that exceeds DOE specifications will be built. The fiber laser system will generate 10W of average power with a pulse duration less than 1 ns at a repetition rate of 100-1000 kHz. The output of the fiber laser source will be polarized. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by awardee: Short pulse, cost effective fiber laser systems should find a variety of military and industrial applications fin imaging systems. As the laser systems are maintenance-free, no specialty trained personnel are required for reliable operation.