Efficient ErYAG Amplifier for Water Vapor DIAL

Fibertek proposes to develop the technology for energy scaling a frequency-doubled single-frequency Er:YAG laser source with a fundamental wavelength of 1645nm and a frequency doubled wavelength of 822nm.nbsp; This proposed work will provide an enabling technology for a space-based water vapor/methane DIAL instrument with the potential for scaling the energy of the Er:YAG water vapor DIAL transmitter by a factor of two compared to the current state-of-the-art system being developed under the ABLE IIP, further enhancing the transmitter capability by enabling day-time observations of water vapor.nbsp; The proposed program will focus on developing a cryo-cooled laser amplifier to meet the performance needs of a space-based frequency-doubled single-frequency Er:YAG laser for a water vapor DIAL instrument.nbsp; The phase I program focused on collecting temperature dependent spectroscopic data on Er:YAG to support development of an efficient amplifier design.nbsp; The proposed phase II work outlines a systematic approach to optimizing the amplifier performance through parametric breadboard experiments studying the effect of doping concentrations, crystal lengths and temperature on amplifier performance.nbsp; Data collected from the breadboard will enable a trade study of devices for space-based compatible cryo-cooling and identifying the most efficient system level approach for an Er:YAG laser amplifier.nbsp; A deliverable Er:YAG amplifier and frequency converter module will be designed and built that will be compatible with amplifying previously built single-frequency Er:YAG laser sources developed under SBIR funding.