Phase-Locked Array of Solid-State Lasers (PLASS-Laser)

"We propose to develop a scalable laser system based on a phased-locked array of solid-state lasers (PLASS Laser system). This proposed multiple channel phase-locked system uses optical phase conjugation to actively couple individual channels and tocompensate for optical aberrations that are typical in high-power laser systems. The proposed approach has several advantages over conventional passive phased arrays such as a significant decrease in the output beam divergence (to diffraction limitedquality) and a corresponding increase in the power density, as well as more efficient use of the gain media. It should allow the development of a laser system that combines at least four channels into a single output beam with beam quality M2 < 1.1 at anoutput power exceeding the kW level. The completed system will extend the use of solid-state lasers in applications such as industrial welding and cutting, medicine, commercial packaging and marking.In the Phase I program, design and analysis of a prototype system will be conducted along with sufficient laboratory measurements to demonstrate feasibility of the concept. In addition, a commercialization plan will be initiated to market the PLASS-Laser.During Phase II, a prototype system will be built, tested, and demonstrated. A scalable, high-power solid-state laser system composed of a variable number of phase-matched channels will find immediate application in industry (laser cutting, welding an