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High Operating Temperature Quantum Cascade Laser Diodes for Free Space Optical Communication

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency
Contract: DAAH0103CR014
Agency Tracking Number: 02SB2-0313
Amount: $98,967.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: N/A
Solicitation Number: N/A
Timeline
Solicitation Year: N/A
Award Year: 2002
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
1801 Maple Avenue
Evanston, IL 60201
United States
DUNS: N/A
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Steven Slivken
 Technical Director
 (847) 491-7251
 s_slivken@hotmail.com
Business Contact
 Manijeh Razeghi
Title: President
Phone: (847) 491-7251
Email: razeghi@ece.northwestern.edu
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

"This proposal will demonstrate the feasibility and design of quantum cascade lasers for uncooled free-space communication in the mid- and far-infrared (3 < l < 14 um). The primary advantage of the quantum cascade technology is its proven high temperature(>425 K) operation and multiwatt room temperature peak output power. Removing the cooling subsystems necessary for other mid-infrared diode lasers significantly reduces the overall power consumption and system size. However, long range, high bit ratecommunications in adverse weather conditions requires a higher power source at higher duty cycles than is currently available. In Phase I, determination of laser design and package requirements suitable for free-space communication will be investigated.This program will also demonstrate a room temperature, high average power (>10 mW), high duty cycle (>50 %) QCL laser and a compact (< 500 cm3), uncooled, high peak power (>1 W) laser pointer as a basis for a mid- or far-infrared transceiver. Current freespace optical systems are hindered by scattering elements (such as fog or smoke) and scintillation effects. Both act to shorten or completely sever a free space optical link. As predicted by scattering and scintillation theory, a mid- or far-infraredlaser source should have superior transmission through a non-ideal atmosphere as compared to a commercially available near-infrared source. This significant performance boost is especially

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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