Optical Fiber Coupled Integrated High-Low Energy Laser

U.S. Laser Corporation proposes to develop and demonstrate a prototype version of a fiber coupled integrated high-low energy laser. This laser will be capable of delivering high energy pulses for heating & chemical activation, as well as low power pulses for sensing and interrogation. The laser will include a fiber optic beam delivery system and hardware for sensing interrogation pulse returns. U.S. Laser will modify a laser head from its line of commercially available pulsed industrial lasers to feature a unique hybrid diode-flashlamp pumping scheme. The laser will operate in both high and low power pulsed modes, with independent control of high and low power operation. U.S. Laser will also demonstrate fiber delivery (and return) of low power interrogation pulses and the delivery of the high energy pulses through the fiber. Finally, U.S. Laser will identify key problems that need to be solved before this system can see field use, and possible technologies to help solve them. This Phase I project will provide proof-of-principle for the ARMY concept, generate preliminary requirements, and provide technical information required for the design and fabrication of a compact hybrid laser system for Phase II.