Compact, All-Fiber-Based, Eyesafe Laser Source

"The Air Force and other branches of the Armed Forces require new eyesafe short-pulse laser sources for many applications. These include laser rangefinders with improved range resolution, high-resolution range-gated imaging from UAVs and missiles, and asoptical drivers for frequency conversion to longer wavelengths for the identification of explosive materials, and biological or drug related threats. To meet these future needs, Aculight proposes to develop a short pulse, eyesafe, high power, and highrepetition rate laser source based on innovative fiber amplifier technology. This new approach uses many components developed recently for the telecommunications industry to develop an all-fiber-based laser source. It utilizes the best properties ofdiodes and fibers: high efficiency, compactness, reliability, and reduced thermal issues, as well as providing direct eyesafe output. In the Phase II, Aculight proposes to develop, build, and deliver a prototype laser to provide a proof-of-conceptdemonstration of a novel eyesafe laser source for potential application in a variety of DOD applications."