(DURIP) INFRARED (IR) MATERIAL PURIFICATION AND HANDLING SYSTEM
Abstract
The Iron Fiber Laser program (FA9550-19-1-0127) at UCF aims to develop low loss active optical nanocomposites (Fe2+-ZnSe [Fe-ZnSe] crystals in a chalcogenide glass [ChG] matrix) that can be drawn into optical fiber yielding a multi-watt mid-infrared (MIR) fiber laser. The program benefits from glass science know-how combined with laser design, testing and fiber manufacturing expertise. The program has to date (after YR2) demonstrated successful incorporation of the Fe-ZnSe crystallites in a ChG matrix yielding an active optical composite, fiberization of the matrix host, and has made advances to understand the stability of the dopant nanocrystals in glass hosts towards the realization of low loss fibers. Two key challenges related to inherent capabilities of our approach, remain, and form the basis of this proposal- i. Removal of adsorbed chemical impurities on glass and crystalline powders that limit the optical performance of the composite bulk and fiber media. This can be realized through a purification system that removes impurities from elemental starting materials, and specialized facilities that limit powder surface contamination during handling. ii. Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) of thin protective shell coatings has been shown to enable survivability of active Fe-ZnSe crystals in the ChG melt, creating a viable optical composite suitable for use as a fiber preform. While the coating method has been demonstrated in a small (less than1g) low-yield prototype scale reactor, improvements to the ALD system to allow surface chemistry optimization and scale-up, are required. To address the following issues, (i.) raw material purification (of matrix glass components and crystalline dopant particles) and their handling, and (ii.) expansion of ALD coating infrastructure to enhance crystallite surface stability without aggregates, we request funds to construct an ‘Infrared (IR) Material Purification and Handling System’ (IR MAT-HAN System). This system will reduce both causes of loss and enhance the stability of the dopant crystals in our composite and resulting fiber. This DURIP submission requests funding for an ‘Infrared Material Purification and Handling (IR MATHAN) System will provide enhancement to the stability-survivability of the dopant crystals in our composite and resulting fiber and reduce losses due to impurities and aggregation that lead to scatter. While existing AFOSR programmatic funding supports the basic science of the Iron Fiber Laser project, funds for the requested instrumentation is critical to the realization of the ultimate targeted performance metrics in the fabricated fiber laser. The requested instrumentation will enhance existing glass processing capabilities within the Glass Processing and Characterization Laboratory (GPCL) at UCF through installation of the necessary vacuum purification system, powder handling system and powder surface modification system enabling enhanced particle stability and survivability. Our team has extensive prior experience in material processing that assures a high level of competence and likely success associated with building and activating this key experimental capability at CREOL. We envision this IR MAT-HAN system will provide far-reaching capabilities to other existing UCF DoD research efforts at CREOL (several funded by AFOSR) on broadband IR glasses and glass ceramics, single crystals and polycrystalline ceramics (for window, sensor, high power laser, GRIN and metamaterial applications) as well as in areas of transparent (oxide) ceramics for active and passive applications.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Mar 07, 2023
- Source ID
- FA95502210073
Entities
People
- Kathleen Richardson
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- United States Air Force
- University of Central Florida Board of Trustees