GCSELs have enormous promise in revolutionizing the use of diode-based lasers in applications where light quality is paramount. Because all other high-power diode laser technologies produce multimode beams, their primary use is to pump solid-state lasers to produce high-quality laser beams. These two-component units reduce an optical system’s efficiency, while increasing its complexity. Because the GCSELs under development operate in eye-safe wavelengths, they meet military requirements for atmospheric propagation applications, including LADAR, target designation, and range finding. These high-brightness laser emitters will likewise find commercial application in high-resolution materials processing and high-coherence optical systems.

As Dr. John E. Spencer, Photodigm’s president and chief executive officer, maintains, “The fundamental requirement for the success of any technology-based small business is to find product applications that can develop into major businesses. The SBIR program introduces us to those firstmover military customers who are able to absorb development risk, while simultaneously directing us to seek the wider customer base that ensures both commercial viability and military affordability. Photodigm is pleased to support the efforts of the US Department of Defense in ensuring the technological superiority of our military forces.”

Mr. Don Snyder, Dr. Jon Geske (Aerius Photonics, LLC), and Dr. S. David Roh (formerly of Photodigm, Inc.), of the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Munitions Directorate, wrote this article. For more information, contact TECH CONNECT at (800) 203-6451 or place a request at http://www.afrl.af.mil/techconn/index.htm. Reference document MN-H-05-12.

References

¹ Geske, J., et al. “CWDM Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser Array Spanning 140 nm of the C, S, and L Fiber Transmission Bands.” IEEE Photonics Technology Letters, vol 16 (May 04): 1227-1229.
² Bjorlin, E. S., Geske, J., and Bowers, J. E. “10 Gb/s Optically Preamplified Receiver Using a Vertical-Cavity Amplifying Optical Filter.” 2002 Optical Fiber Communications Conference, Postconference Technical Digest, vol 1. Washington DC (2002): 153-155.
³ Evans, G. A., et al. “Grating-Outcoupled Surface-Emitting Semiconductor Lasers.” Surface-Emitting Semiconductor Lasers and Arrays, Chapter 4. eds. Evans, G. A., and Hammer, J. M. Academic Press (1993): 119-216.
⁴ Roh, S. D., et al. “High-Power, Single-Frequency, Surface-Emitting Laser With a Lens for Lateral Mode Control.” Presented at Solid-State and Diode Laser Technology Review, Tech. Digest, P-12. (2004).