High Efficiency Infrared Fiber Lasers

CTI proposes a high efficiency, conveniently pumped, infrared fiber laser source suitable for use in a variety of active electro-optic systems. The laser can be used directly as a transmitter or as a pump source for other continuous-wave or pulsed laseror nonlinear optical devices. A key feature of this source is that it is based on commercical-off-the-shelf telecommunication components which can enable the future production of minimal cost, turn-key, military hardware. Additionally, the sourceutilizes high electrical efficiency diode lasers that can be operated at elevated temperatures and do not require temperature stabilization. This feature, combined with the inherent distributed nature of fiber devices, permits the development of very highwall plug efficiency transmitters with minimal cooling requirements. The proposed device is based on demonstrated CTI achievements in the area of solid-state lasers resulting in a low-risk Phase I/II program. This work will provide an enabling technologythat can impact a variety of fields including remote sensing, science and medicine.High electrical efficiency eyesafe laser sources are needed for a variety of applications including: detection and imaging, designation, infrared countermeasures, wind sensing, chemical detection, altimetry and ranging, terrain mapping, free-space opticalcommunications, search and rescue beacons, spectroscopy and surgery.