Compact Packaging of Diode-Pumped Lasers

Diode-pumped solid-state lasers are often described as being and efficient en the power supplies and cooling apparatus are included, they are not nearly as compact and efficient as many applications require. The objective of this Phase I SBIR proposal is to develop packaging and power supply concepts to produce truly compact and efficient lasers. We will allow the laser crystal and the diodes to operate at relatively high temperatures using only passive cooling. The resonator structure will be designed to dissipate the waste heat while simultaneously keeping the laser aligned. We will evaluate Nd:YAG, Nd:YLF, and Nd:YVO(4) laser materials, and we will consider end-pumped rods, side-pumped slabs, and side-pumped rods for the laser configuration. In the power supply only the diode-laser will be kept relatively cool while the other components will be allowed to heat up, minimizing the size and weight of their heat sinks. We will also perform a market analysis to determine the commercial potential of such a laser, and we will conclude this effort with a preliminary design targeted at one application. This design will be refined, and the laser constructed during a follow-on Phase II effort.