High Performance Compact Medium-Power Long-Wave Infrared (LWIR) Laser System for Shipboard Deployment Navy SBIR FY2018.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2018.1 Topic No.: N181-054 Topic Title: High Performance Compact Medium-Power Long-Wave Infrared (LWIR) Laser System for Shipboard Deployment Proposal No.: N181-054-0851 Firm: Nour, LLC 1801 Maple Ave-Suite 5110 Evanston, Illinois 60201 Contact: Steve Slivken Phone: (847) 491-7208 Abstract: In this proposal, a broadband laser system is explored which has the potential to deliver high power over most of the long wavelength infrared (LWIR) spectral range. The system is composed of multiple quantum cascade laser modules which are spectrally combined into a single output beam. In order to simplify system construction, the system is designed to operate with a small number of active elements engineered for high atmospheric transmission. This is made possible by the use of already demonstrated high efficiency quantum cascade wafer designs and a new, on-chip phase-locking architecture to significantly scale the output power per module. The proposed effort will both experimentally demonstrate a proof-of-concept laser module and explore initial system design for broadband spectral coverage Benefits: This compact and high power LWIR laser system will be of great utility in protecting ships and aircraft from enemies equipped with infrared seeker technology. Compared to existing sources, such as gas lasers, this diode laser-based system is intrinsically durable, with a long operational lifetime. The multiple wavelength modules give a broad coverage in the LWIR band which makes the system robust against a variety of counter-countermeasures. With independent control over modules, the system also has great spectral agility, which could also lead to applications in long-range chemical sensing for early warning of a chemical/ biological attack. Return