Open Call for Innovative Defense-Related Dual-Purpose Technologies/Solutions with a Clear Air Force Stakeholder Need

This proposal explores the possibility of using SpaceFiber, doped ZBLAN optical laser fiber manufactured at the International Space Station by Flawless Photonics, to create fiber lasers generating powerful mid-infrared coherent light capable of producing a LiDAR system with the ability to accurately detect, range, and characterize objects of any material as small as 2 meters out to distances of 50Km or more, depending on atmospheric conditions, day or night. Such a LiDAR "radar" requires a pulsed coherent laser beam exceeding 100W, is diffraction limited, and can operate in the ideal mid-infrared window of 2.2-2.3 microns to maximize light transmission to and from the target, is minimally affected by solar background radiation, and is eye-safe to be able to operate in-theater.