We demonstrate a C-band gain-switched seed laser intended for a EDFA-based fiber laser meeting the performance, footprint, robustness, and cost targets for volume time-of-flight LiDAR systems. The technology reported here leverages Freedom Photonics high-power DFBs coupled with a Black Forest Engineering control ASIC in a low-inductance package. As a result, the overall package is a compact form factor that can fit within a 16-pin butterfly package. To date, our 1550 nm seed technology delivers more than 2.5 nJ pulse energy for a 480KHz repetition rate on a 4 ns pulse, which is 30 times higher than conventional seed lasers. This technology is the first of its kind to realize a 1550 nm high-pulse energy seed laser for volume deployment of time-of-flight fiber-laser-based LiDAR systems.
In this work, we present a compact size and highly efficient nanosecond pulsed 1550nm single mode fiber laser that can operate from -40C to +95C. The laser generates 2 to 10 ns pulses at a repetition rate of hundreds kHz to a few MHz with hundreds to kilowatt peak power. The design of this laser is optimized to achieve over 10% wall-plug efficiency at room temperature with an ultra-low ASE noise less than 1%. The performance is also well maintained with less than 30% EO (electrical-optical) efficiency degradation at extreme temperatures and demonstrates high reliability consistent with deployment into harsh environments.The robust performance makes the laser an ideal source for lidar and sensing applications, along with other medical, scientific, and industrial applications.
We present a high-power DFB technology that meets the performance and volume demands of consumer automotive applications. Our DFB design is hardened and intended for use at extreme environmental conditions and operates at peak current density of 8 kA/cm2 - approximately 4 times higher than more conventional DFB lasers intended for use in telecommunication and sensing applications. We demonstrate that the risks associated with placing these components into high volume production with high yield can be managed through careful control of the laser design and manufacturing processes. To date, we show >90% of our DFB lasers fall within our control limits as defined by three sigma of the mean. This is the first high-power DFB laser suitable for widespread deployment into the consumer automotive market space.
Access to the requested content is limited to institutions that have purchased or subscribe to SPIE eBooks.
You are receiving this notice because your organization may not have SPIE eBooks access.*
*Shibboleth/Open Athens users─please
sign in
to access your institution's subscriptions.
To obtain this item, you may purchase the complete book in print or electronic format on
SPIE.org.
INSTITUTIONAL Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.
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.