Compact laser sources for laser designation, ranging and active imaging

Lew Goldberg; John Nettleton; Brad Schilling; Ward Trussel; Alan Hays

doi:10.1117/12.722143

10 May 2007 Compact laser sources for laser designation, ranging and active imaging

Lew Goldberg, John Nettleton, Brad Schilling, Ward Trussel, Alan Hays

Proceedings Volume 6552, Laser Source Technology for Defense and Security III; 65520G (2007) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.722143
Event: Defense and Security Symposium, 2007, Orlando, Florida, United States

Abstract

Recent advances in compact solid sate lasers for laser designation, eye-safe range finding and active imaging are described. Wide temperature operation of a compact Nd:YAG laser was achieved by end pumping and the use of multi-&lgr; diode stacks. Such lasers enabled construction of fully operational 4.7 lb laser designator prototypes generating over 50 mJ at 10-20 Hz PRF. Output pulse energy in excess of 100 mJ was demonstrated in a breadboard version of the end-pumped laser. Eye-safe 1.5 &mgr;m lasers based on flash-pumped, low PRF, Monoblock lasers have enabled compact STORM laser range finders that have recently been put into production. To achieve higher optical and electrical efficiency needed for higher PRF operation, Monoblock lasers were end-pumped by a laser diode stack. Laser diode end-pumped Monoblock lasers were operated at 10-20 Hz PRF over a wide temperature range (-20 to +50^oC). Compared with bulk compact solid state lasers, fiber lasers are characterized by lower pulse energy, higher PRF's, shorter pulses and higher electrical efficiency. An example of fiber lasers suitable for LIDAR, and atmospheric measurement applications is described. Eye-safe, low intensity diode pumped solid state green warning laser developed for US Army checkpoint and convoy applications is also described.

Citation Download Citation

Lew Goldberg, John Nettleton, Brad Schilling, Ward Trussel, and Alan Hays "Compact laser sources for laser designation, ranging and active imaging", Proc. SPIE 6552, Laser Source Technology for Defense and Security III, 65520G (10 May 2007); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.722143

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available