Power scaling and system improvements to increase practicality of QCL-based laser systems

Myron Pauli; Jason Auxier; Mark Lancaster; Hector Martin; Rob Cook; Mike Cruz; Robin Huang; Jeffrey Shattuck; Paul Mak

doi:10.1117/12.2508710

27 June 2019 Power scaling and system improvements to increase practicality of QCL-based laser systems

Myron Pauli, Jason Auxier, Mark Lancaster, Hector Martin, Rob Cook, Mike Cruz, Robin Huang, Jeffrey Shattuck, Paul Mak

Proceedings Volume 10926, Quantum Sensing and Nano Electronics and Photonics XVI; 1092612 (2019) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2508710
Event: SPIE OPTO, 2019, San Francisco, California, United States

Abstract

Quantum Cascade Lasers (QCL) are highly efficient, compact, and wavelength-agile devices in Mid-Wavelength InfraRed (MWIR – generally 3.7 – 4.8 microns wavelength) and Long-Wavelength InfraRed (LWIR – generally 8 – 12 microns wavelength). Wall-plug efficiencies have been shown to be above 20% [1,2]. which make them highly desirable for any application where SWaP (Size, Weight, and Power) are critical to fielded systems. Multiple applications exist for both pulsed and continuous-wave (CW) format QCLs in communications, remote sensing, and electronic warfare. Specifically, there are few competitive comparable alternatives in CW to these products. They also are capable of operation close to the diffraction limit, making them practical as long-range devices beyond that of a laboratory device. Single QCL emitter CW power levels tend to be limited to around 1 W in the lower part of the MWIR and in LWIR and higher in the upper part of the MWIR. Under a Navy Small Business Innovative Research contract and funding from the Office of Naval Research, Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) has worked with Forward Photonics, LLC to increase power, improve spectral output, and reduce SWaP for these devices. Among the technologies explored have been spectral beam combining [3-6], polarization beam combining, spectral tailoring, and innovative ideas in laser packaging. As a result, QCL-based laser systems can be scaled in power and efficiently packaged to deliver adequate power on target at significant ranges. Both air-cooled and water-cooled versions of higher power devices in MWIR have been successfully field tested by NRL. Plans are underway to duplicate this success in LWIR and to further reduce SWaP and cost for practical, affordable, production devices.

This work was funded under a grant from the Office of Naval Research Code 312.

Conference Presentation

Citation Download Citation

Myron Pauli, Jason Auxier, Mark Lancaster, Hector Martin, Rob Cook, Mike Cruz, Robin Huang, Jeffrey Shattuck, and Paul Mak "Power scaling and system improvements to increase practicality of QCL-based laser systems", Proc. SPIE 10926, Quantum Sensing and Nano Electronics and Photonics XVI, 1092612 (27 June 2019); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2508710

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