High Power Ultra-Short Pulse Bulk Laser Amplifier at Eye Safer Wavelengths

In this Phase II project, Aqwest proposes to develop the next generation of compact and robust high-peak power and high-pulse repetition frequency (PRF) blue lasers based on frequency quadrupling the output from a novel 1.9-µm solid-state laser using ceramic Tm:Lu2O3 laser gain medium , an emerging high-performance material, which is now becoming commercially available. We have already demonstrated continuous tuning of Tm:Lu2O3 over a 230-nm wide band from 1890 to 2130 nm. The innovative Tm:Lu2O3 LGM overcomes the limitations of the traditional materials: it has a modest saturation fluence (2 x less than Tm:YLF and 3x less than Tm:YAG), more favorable spectroscopy, isotropy, superior thermal conductivity, demonstrated lasing operation at 1890 nm, and it is now available in ceramic form. The frequency quadrupled Tm:Lu2O3 laser offers powerful blue transmitter for an increased standoff range in a very efficient, compact, lightweight, and robust package generation of compact and robust blue laser systems for detection of underwater objects.