Generating Directional Ultra-Broadband Infrared Radiation in the Atmospheric Window

Abstract

In this proposal, a pulsed high power Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Laser will be purchased for generating directional and ultra-broadband, long wave infrared (LW-IR) radiation in nonlinear optical media for propagation in the atmospheric window. This purchase is to support a proposed basic research program to analyze, numerically evaluate through simulations, and perform proof-of-principle experiments to understand the nonlinear processes responsible for the generation of ultra-broadband radiation in the atmospheric window. This equipment purchase will benefit the proposed program by relieving the 1st year funding request of purchasing the CO2 laser. Ultra-Broadband radiation can cover the entire LW-IR region in a single pulse. It is a consequence of the highly nonlinear interaction of the CO2 laser pulse in a nonlinear medium such as Gallium Arsenide and special LW-IR transmitting optical fibers. These nonlinear interactions will be studied with theoretically and numerical simulations performed. A proof-of-principle experiment will be designed and set up using the high power CO2 Laser for the generation of side bands and the broadening of the overall spectrum. Different spectral regions within the CO2 gain spectrum will be investigated for dispersion effects on the spectral and temporal profiles of the output laser pulse. Experimental results will be compared and benchmarked with theory and simulation results. Research results will be published in refereed journals and presented at organized conferences and reviews. Theory, simulations and experiments will take place at the University of Maryland and carried out by 2 or more graduate students and post-doc, using a wide range of computing and laser facilities.

Document Details

Document Type
DoD Grant Award
Publication Date
Jul 20, 2020
Source ID
N000142012548

Entities

People

  • Antonio Ting

Organizations

  • Office of Naval Research
  • United States Navy
  • University of Maryland

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Optical Physics and Photonics.
  • Research Science/Academic Research

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy
  • Microelectronics