Next Generation Laser Designator

We propose a novel, compact, high energy, hybrid solid-state laser designator. The proposed laser designator uses a novel wavelength converter output stage, which facilitates emission in the eye-safe spectral region with excellent beam quality and increased sensitivity to seeker detectors. The proposed diode pumped hybrid laser system is highly efficient, robust, and has a small footprint. Due to the unique approach employed, the proposed technology allows for generation of coded pulses with varying pulse repetition rates, widths, and energies. Due to high energy, flexible coded pulse output and versatile wavelength selection, the laser meets requirements for next generation laser designators as well as provides the Air Force critical benefits in several application areas such as laser ranging, sensor defeat, infrared countermeasures, and development of advanced seekers. Further, the proposed technology can be refined to shift the laser output to mid-IR spectral regions.