Development of Critical Technologies for a Coherent and Scalable Phase Locking of High-Power, Blue Diode Arrays for Directed Energy Applications, 24-000008170
Abstract
We are proposing research project aimed on developing critical technologies for a coherent and scalable phase-locking of high-power, blue diode arrays for directed energy applications. Our research will result in presenting a credible path towards achieving high-power phase-locked emission from very large blue semiconductor diode arrays. Phase-locking of high-power blue diode laser 2-D stacked arrays became feasible due to some very significant and recent innovations in the blue diode fabrication technology and in our advancements how to phase-lock large diode arrays in a scalable design. In particular, (a) 2-5 W emission per single emitter in array is achievable and (b) the feasibility of scalable phase-locking of high-power single mode diode arrays in external cavity design has been demonstrated. Blue diode laser array fabrication technology reaching its maturity level that meets the conditions for phase-locking via external cavity design. Today, several commercial companies offer blue diode arrays with low antireflection coatings that are required for external cavity phase-locking. These diodes are efficient and high-power. Consequently, experimental exploration of phase-locking and beam combining, external cavity design and optimization for beam quality, operation efficiency and scalable operation in 1-D bar and 2-D stacked arrays of broad area lasers, along with the in-depth theoretical and computational studies that we have proposed will lay down the groundwork for an experiment using a large array of high-power broad area diode lasers.We are proposing a basic research project aimed on developing fundamental science and paradigms and critical technologies for coherent and scalablephase-locking of high-power, blue diode arrays for directed energy applications. The emphasis will be articulated towards evaluating conditions for achieving excellent beam quality at high power and high efficiency of operation, mitigation of diode malfunctioning(i.e. designing system architecture that withstand several malfunctioning diodes), and scaling to large powers. The proposed work, if successful, will substantially advance development of innovative and revolutionary technologies be aiming on phase-locking large O (100 KW) power blue semiconductor diode 2-D stacked arrays in a controllable, efficient and scalable design. Approved for Public Release.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jan 13, 2025
- Source ID
- N000142512075
Entities
People
- Y. Braiman
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of Central Florida Board of Trustees