Diode Pumped Ti:Sapphire Hybrid Laser

This project will be devoted to the development of an illuminator technology suitable for use in underwater and on-shore imaging applications. This illuminator will be capable of generating at least 5 different wavelengths across the Short-wave IR, NearIR, Visible and Near UV Spectrum. Wavelengths of particular interest include a pair, one on each side of the NIR rise in the 600 to 950 nm range, a pair in the Short-wave IR between 1000 and 1340 nm, and another pair in the visible that is transmittedthrough coastal seawater between 400 and 600 nm. We have identified the technologies to generate these wavelengths, and will provide a conceptual design of a system that produces adequate energy and power for coastal imaging missions. The major advantageof this approach is to be able to illuminate both on-shore and underwater objects from aerial platforms. A secondary advantage is that the illuminator will provide superior capability when used with a suitable camera to identify mines, and other obstaclesin the coastal environment. A tertiary advantage is that the beam could be zoomable, allowing adaptation of the illumination to allow deeper water penetration, and more clear imagery, leading to a higher probability of detection, and a lower incidence offalse alarms. Thus applications such as search and rescue, airborne reconnaissance, imaging for surveillance and security, (coastal through fog), and many others would be feasible.