A Tunable Yb:YAG/VBG Laser

High-data rate communication with undersea objects is desirable at speed and depth, and it has long been recognized that lasers in the blue-green portion of the electromagnetic spectrum are the most viable option for penetration of seawater. In order to optimize signal-to-noise in daylight conditions the optimal wavelengths to work at is one of the Fraunhofer bands in the blue-green where the solar irradiance is lower. The proposed solution is based on a diode pumped solid state laser that is very efficient. The outcome of this project is anticipated to be a robust and stable laser design and demonstration that can operate at 518.36 nm. It will be tunable over a narrow wavelength range centered about 518.36 nm that meets the project objectives.