7

Compact, Short-Pulse Laser Source for Active Imaging Systems--Aculight Corporation, 11805 North Creek Parkway South, Suite 113, Bothell, WA  98011-8803; 425-482-1100, www.aculight.com
Dr. Matthias Savage-Leuchs, Principal Investigator, matthias.savage-leuchs@aculight.com 
Dr. Dennis Lowenthal, Business Official, dennis.lowenthal@aculight.com 
DOE Grant No. DE-FG02-03ER83589
Amount:  $100,000

Future active imaging systems for national security applications require compact, rugged, and efficient short-pulse laser sources that can operate over a wide-repetition-rate range.  These systems can generate high-resolution topographical maps, which can help detect the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.  However, to achieve adequate range and resolution in airborne and space-borne systems, the laser sources must have short pulse duration, high repetition rate, and higher power than can be currently obtained with conventional laser technology.  This project will develop a short pulse, high power, high-repetition-rate laser source based on innovative, fiber amplifier technology.  The approach will make use of many components developed recently for the telecommunications industry.  The all-fiber-based laser source will be efficient, compact, and reliable.  Phase I will: (1) build and deliver a packaged, low-power seed source that exceeds all specifications in the solicitation; (2) develop a design for a high-power amplifier to be delivered in Phase II; and (3) perform low-power experiments to validate the design.

Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by awardee:  An all-fiber-based laser source should find use in a variety of military applications.  Commercial applications include a laser source for medical diagnostics and instruments for industrial processing.