Solid State Infrared Flare

We propose a solid-state IR flare solid-state design based on the VCSEL (Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser) technology, emitting>315W total power around 808nm as a replacement of the illuminant candle which Army currently uses. The requirements in terms of input electrical power, cooling, weight and size satisfy the Army needs. VCSELs are clearly a superior choice for this application because of their high efficiency, extremely high reliability, higher temperature of operation and smaller emission area compared to competing technologies. In Phase I, we completed the Phase II prototype design, based on a single 7mm x 7mm (6mm-diam emission area) VCSEL array chip. This approach was made possible by the use of a novel high gain quantum well technology for the VCSELs. In Phase I, we also completed fabrication and demonstration of a preliminary prototype based on nine VCSEL arrays connected in series. The module delivers more than 350W CW power around 808nm. Night-time outdoor testing of the module showed that only 132W output was sufficient to clearly illuminate an area up to>500m distance, even though the CCD camera was equipped with a ~50% transmission filter that severely limited the number of photons received by the camera. A video recording of the night-time demonstration was submitted along with the Phase I final report. In Phase II we propose to demonstrate the prototype of the solid state infrared flare with the form factor of illuminant candle. Measurement of the optical, electrical, and lifetime characteristics of the prototype will be conducted. Experiments to show that the prototype design will survive the shock environments of the M278 rocket will also be performed.