Fiber Coupled High Energy Diode Laser System

Spectra Diode Laboratories, Inc. proposed to develop a diode laser based pyrotechnic device capable of 1 Joule energy output in a 10 ms pulse and with fiber delivery of the output energy. The design of this device is based on SQL's standard 12 watt cw p5 laser package. The modifications include expanding the diode bar fill factor, improvements in optical fiber configurations, and energy delivery through a standard 1 mm diameter fiber. The laser diode package will be characterized and operating parameters optimized for pyrotechnic applications. A compact prototype will be delivered to BRL at the end of Phase I for evaluation. In addition, a system design effort will be undertaken which will consider optical demagnification for smaller fiber delivery, built-in tests, thermal design, and system configuration and layout. The design effort will serve as a blueprint for Phase II development of fieldable systems.