Diode Pumped Solid State Laser Technology

The proposed effort develops a novel laser geometry using a new solid state laser material with the objective of providing very high power capability with superlative beam quality and efficiency for BMD0 tracking, laser imaging, and ultimately directed energy weapons potential. The material, Yb:S-FAP, has been shown to have excellent efficiency potential and uses fewer diode pumping bars compared to the "standard" Nd based 1 um solid state systems. The thermal properties of this medium limit it to average powers of order 100W when used in conventional configurations. Lasers in the multi-kW range would be desired for long range tracking and beam direction applications. A novel thermal management technique is proposed to show capability for power ranges of interest. Ultimately, in combination with beam combining techniques, scaling to very high powers may be possible. The emphasis of this effort in Phase 1 will involve collaborative experiments with a major aerospace company to combine the innovative capability of research in the small business atmosphere with the longer term military hardware capability of a major company.