Compact, High-Efficiency, Eye-Safe, Fiber Laser for LADAR Applications

We propose to build a novel eyesafe fiber laser source capable of operating over the 20-100 kHz repetition rate range. Using a combination of COTS technology from the telecom industry and amplifier designs based upon recent developments at Naval ResearchLabs, the source will deliver 7-10 Watts while maintaining pulse duration <10 ns, and beam quality <1.8 x D.L. We show designs using available commercial components packaged into a 6 x 8 x 17 cm volume. The laser will be much more efficient and far morerugged than conventional Q-switched crystal lasers using nonlinear converters to reach the eyesafe range. The proposed laser has potential for use in sensing of chemical leaks or chemical weapons (homeland defense), and in materials processingapplications.