Monolithic Waveguide Laser Range Finder

The goal for the next generation transmitter in laser range finders is to reduce size, cost, weight, and complexity while increasing the robustness and operational lifetime. Current laser transmitters contain numerous free-space optical components whichrequire a skilled technician to assemble and maintain. Coherent Technologies, Inc. (CTI) proposes to develop a new miniature, monolithic Er-doped direct 1.5-micron laser that can be assembled with permanent optical alignment. The design is based on a newwaveguide laser concept that has not been previously demonstrated and has significant advantages over planar waveguide and bulk laser designs. The transmitter will (1) use a high efficiency, single diode laser pump that has an operating lifetime ofhundreds of billions of shots, (2) produce a significantly lower heat load than flashlamp-pumped lasers, and (3) have a high efficiency for longer battery lifetime. The transmitter is capable of 10 mJ output energy in a TEM00 beam and sub-10 ns pulse widthwith a final cost estimate (in quantity) of less than $1000/transmitter. CTI's proven ability to design and engineer rugged and compact laser ranging systems for demanding environments will ensure a successful overall development program.Anticipatedapplications include (1) Laser range finder transmitters for multiple platforms, (2) Low cost transmitters for other eye-safe laser remote sensing applications, (3) Laser sources for commercial markets such as materials processing, medical, andinstrumentation.