Tunable Laser Radar Source

Aculight proposes the development of a frequency tunable source suitable for LADAR measurements from compact military platforms. The source will use a fixed frequency diode pumped solid state drive laser and an optical parametric oscillator, tunable from 1.6 to 2.4 microns. Output energies will be over 100 micro-J through the spectral range at pulse rates of 10kHz. The major technical challenge, addressed directly in Phase I, is the short pulse, high PRF operation of the complete driver/OPO system. The proposed Phase I effort tests a novel, moderate power, short pulse drive laser and demonstrates OPO conversion with both conventional and advanced OPO materials. The needed drive laser specifications (pulse rate 10 kHz, power 10 to 20W, pulse duration of 10ns, and compact design) are difficult to meet simultaneously. A cavity dumping technique will be implemented on an existing DP laser to show short pulses suitable for OPO applications. The drive laser used in Phase I has a substantial technical pedigree, and will enable definitive experiments. Supporting analysis with state of the art laser and OPO design codes is pivotal to the design. A plan for the development, compacting and delivery of a rugged device using the most appropriate technology choices is developed.