Innovative Technology Development for Laser Radar (LADAR)

The Department of Defense (DOD) requires compact, high power, short pulse laser sources operating at eyesafe wavelengths for compact imaging laser radar systems. Conventional eye safe laser sources using diode-pumped solid-state laser (DPSSL) and opticalparametric oscillator (OPO) technologies have difficulty meeting the packaging requirements. Aculight Corporation proposes a novel eyesafe, high power, pulsed laser source based on pulsed fiber laser and amplifier technology. The concept uses fiber-basedcomponents developed for the telecommunications industry to achieve an all-fiber-based laser source that is compact, efficient, and very reliable. In Phase II, a high power, eye safe, prototype fiber laser source will be developed and delivered to the ArmyAviation and Missile Command for testing in a scanning LADAR system. This work will develop a novel all-fiber-based eye safe laser source for a variety of military applications, including laser rangefinders and range imaging lidar systems. Commercialapplications include (1) a laser source for medical diagnostics, and (2) industrial processing applications.