NICOP - Comparative study of cesium DPAL for high-power efficient laser
Abstract
Diode Pumped Aalkali Lasers (DPALs) are gas lasers that have been recently receiving increased attention. They are expected to have several advantages over solid state and fiber lasers: more effective diode pumping, higher quantum efficiency, higher beam quality, and ease of scaling the aperture and the power. They are also expected to allow more compact designs and have better thermal management due to the use of flowing gas. The DPAL performance can be optimized with a relatively simple change of the alkali number density and the buffer gas composition. The various design choices and parameters of DPALs at supersonic flow velocities have not been well understood. The PI is proposing the theoretical and experimental study of Cesium gas DPALs, in static as well as flowing-gas configurations, to explore the effects of various parameters (e.g. laser cell dimensions, gas pressure, composition and velocity, laser beam cross sections) on laser power and efficiency. Efficient, high-power laser devices are relevant to High Energy Laser (HEL) weapon systems of the Navy, such as LaWS. HEL weapons have been successfully demonstrated against UAVs and small boats. They provide a defense solution that has very low cost per shot and a very deep magazine. In this project, the PI will also make observations and provide recommendations regarding the operational and usage aspects of a supersonic flowing gas system. Unlike other gas lasers, DPALs have a closed-loop recirculating gas system and do not require gas exhaust during operation. Peter Morrison and Frank Peterkin, in Code 35, are interested in this proposal but are not able to co-fund. They would like to see the results of this one-year proposal and then have further discussions with ONRG to determine the next steps. The desired outcome of this proposal is a rigorous study of the fundamental parameters involved in producing laser emission in a flowing gas mixture illuminated (pumped) by diode lasers. A throrough understanding of parameters will enable an optimized design with reduced size, weight, and cost, while allowing high wall-plug efficiency and high power with convenient thermal management. Publications are also part of desired outcomes. The PI has a strong publication record with more than 100 publications. He is a recognized expert in Israel and in global academic circles. I recommend funding this proposal.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Nov 23, 2016
- Source ID
- N629091612213
Entities
People
- Salman Rozenwaks
Organizations
- Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy