High Power Optical Splitter for Laser Weapon Systems
ID: N241-041Type: BOTH
Overview

Topic

High Power Optical Splitter for Laser Weapon Systems

Agency

Department of DefenseN/A

Program

Type: SBIRPhase: BOTHYear: 2024
Timeline
  1. 1
    Release Nov 29, 2023 12:00 AM
  2. 2
    Open Jan 3, 2024 12:00 AM
  3. 3
    Next Submission Due Feb 21, 2024 12:00 AM
  4. 4
    Close Feb 21, 2024 12:00 AM
Description

The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for the development of a high power optical splitter for laser weapon systems. The Navy is specifically interested in a technology that can efficiently split the power of a high energy laser beam into two outputs. The splitter should be capable of handling a minimum of 300 kW of continuous wave input power at a wavelength of 1.0 micron. The Navy is looking for a solution that can switch the entire beam between two channels or split the beam fractionally between channels, with desired power split ratios of 50/50 to 20/80. The solution should not degrade the beam quality of the input beam by more than 5%. The technology should be fundamentally rugged, require no manned intervention during operation, and have a transmission efficiency of at least 95%. The proposed solution should include means for test and demonstration on surrogate hardware. Phase I of the project involves developing a concept and demonstrating its feasibility, while Phase II focuses on developing and delivering a prototype. The resulting technology is expected to have broad military applications and potential uses in high energy physics, machining, food packaging, and solar energy industries. The solicitation is closed, and more information can be found on the DOD SBIR website.

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