Cr:ZnSe-Based MWIR/LWIR Source

70217 The continued need to improve the performance and efficiency of existing active remote sensing instruments for detecting the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction requires innovations in laser devices. In particular, the development of all-solid-state Mid Wave Infrared (MWIR) and Long Wave Infrared (LWIR) sources would make systems more portable and easily deployed. This project will develop a broadly tunable, pulsed MWIR and LWIR source based on a cw-diode-pumped Cr:ZnSe laser and optical parametric oscillators (OPOs). The system will be all-solid-state, efficient and compact, and well-suited for UAV or, potentially, satellite-based sensors. Phase I will design a medium-power, cw (2.5 to 5 W), Cr:ZnSe-based tunable MWIR source. In particular, diode- and laser-edge-pumped Cr:ZnSe slab lasers will be modeled; Cr:ZnSe lasers in the waveguide mode, using Tm:YLF as a pumping source, will be designed and tested; and the tunable operation of the Cr:ZnSe laser will be demonstrated. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: A high-power, diode-pumped Cr:ZnSe laser would impact military applications such as aircraft- and satellite-based counter-proliferation intelligence gathering, aircraft or ship-based countermeasures, remote sensing for chemical warfare detection, advanced laser-based, eyesafe seekers for smart munitions and cruise missiles, and covert communications systems. Commercial uses in species-specific gas monitoring, in production facilities as well as in laser surgery, also are anticipated.