Robust and Efficient Tunable Laser for HEL Applications

"CTI proposes a compact, high-efficiency, high beam-quality 2.6-2.9 micron tunable low energy laser (LEL) for SBL applications. The LEL is required for alignment of HEL resonator optics and payload element, testing of diagnostics and low power testing.The proposed transmitter is based on a laser with OPO frequency converter, and provides significant advantages in efficiency, footprint and beam quality over similar state-of-the-art laser pumped OPOs. Improved performance results from two criticalpatent-pending technologies. The efficiency and beam quality of the drive laser are optimized using a proprietary technology that combines the high efficiency and diffraction-limited output of a single-mode fiber laser with the power-scaling of a bulklaser. The drive laser is also compact and readily ruggedized, with excellent thermal properties. The OPO uses an innovative architecture to maximize efficient conversion to required LEL wavelengths. Absorption problems in this region (common in manynonlinear materials such as PPLN) are minimized. Minor modifications to the OPO architecture can provide up to 40% efficiency enhancement at certain wavelengths, and single frequency operation using a proprietary low-loss spectral control technique.Phase I will conduct risk-reduction demonstrations of the two critical technologies. The program leverages multiple other programs at CTI, enabling delivery of a brassboard prototype laser in Phase II