Combiner Architectures for Maximum Brightness Fiber Laser Amplifier Pumping
ID: AF233-0027Type: BOTH
Overview

Topic

Combiner Architectures for Maximum Brightness Fiber Laser Amplifier Pumping

Agency

Department of DefenseN/A

Program

Type: SBIRPhase: BOTHYear: 2023

Topic Link

https://www.sbir.gov/node/2447945

Additional Information

https://www.defensesbirsttr.mil/
Timeline
  1. 1
    Release Aug 23, 2023 12:00 AM
  2. 2
    Open Sep 20, 2023 12:00 AM
  3. 3
    Next Submission Due Oct 18, 2023 12:00 AM
  4. 4
    Close Oct 18, 2023 12:00 AM
Description

The Department of Defense (DoD) is seeking proposals for the topic "Combiner Architectures for Maximum Brightness Fiber Laser Amplifier Pumping" as part of the SBIR 23.3 BAA. The objective of this research is to develop a combiner architecture for a fiber laser amplifier that can support at least 50% more pump power than existing state-of-the-art Yb laser systems. The combiner should operate with minimal loss of brightness and be compatible with existing commercial off-the-shelf pump diodes.

In Phase I, awardees will provide combiner designs, a trade space survey, and simulations to justify a design for a (N+1)x1 combiner architecture. In Phase II, awardees will develop manufacturing processes and demonstrate a combiner with less than 0.1 dB insertion loss and the ability to handle 15% of forward power in the reverse direction. The awardees will also conduct experiments to determine the combiner's power handling limitations and deliver four prototype combiners to AFRL/RDLT.

In Phase III, awardees will refine the combiner's thermal handling and manufacturability, delivering at least 10 units to AFRL/RDLT. The technology developed through this research has potential applications in next-generation directed energy weapons and the commercial laser material processing industry.

The solicitation is open from September 20, 2023, to October 18, 2023. More information can be found on the grants.gov website.

Files
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