Innovative Technology Development for Laser Radar (LADAR)

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 <1 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 sensing chemical leaks or chemical and biological weapons releases (homeland defense), and in materialsprocessing applications.