DON26BZ01-NV038 TITLE: High-power, Long Coherence Length Blue Laser

OUSW (R&E) CRITICAL TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Quantum and Battlefield Information Dominance (Q-BID)

COMPONENT TECHNOLOGY PRIORITY AREA(S): Integrated Sensing and Cyber;Microelectronics;Quantum Science

PROJECTED CMMC LEVEL REQUIREMENT: Level 2 (Self)

The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with the Announcement. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws.

OBJECTIVE: Develop a blue wavelength, high-power laser with a long coherence length capable of high pulse repetition frequencies.

DESCRIPTION: In recent years, blue laser diode technology has enabled improved data storage, enhanced fluorescence imaging, metal processing, and other applications [Ref 1]. Lasers in this wavelength band also fall within the ‘optical window’ of water and will experience less attenuation than other wavelength bands [Ref 2]. The wavelength band will also experience less diffraction compared to other communication wavelengths [Ref 3]. This SBIR topic seeks to develop a blue laser capable of high pulse repetition rates and long coherence length light while maintaining a high optical power.

Target specifications for the desired product include:

• High optical power output: 10 W continuous wave

• Optical wavelength: 425 nm to 475 nm

• Long coherence length: > 10 m

• High pulse repetition frequency: > 100 MHz

• Laser will need to operate continuously and reliably for lifetime of 2000 days

PHASE I: Perform a design and materials study to assess the feasibility of the proposed technology or process to meet the target specifications listed above. A final report must include an assessment of:

• Preliminary design and simulation of laser technology

• The size, weight, and power (SWaP) implications of the proposed technology

• Pathway to meet the lifetime target specification including accelerated life testing

• The scalability of the approach for low quantity prototypes, low-rate production, and full rate production.

The Phase I Option, if exercised, will include the initial design specifications and capabilities description to build laser prototype in Phase II.

PHASE II: Build and demonstrate the laser technology and characterize its performance against the target goals of optical power, wavelength, coherence length, pulse repetition frequency, beam quality, and continuously and reliable laser lifetime.

Deliver five (5) representative lasers to the Navy at the conclusion of Phase II that can be further tested.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Based on the prototypes developed in Phase II, continue development to assist the Government in integrating the technology with relevant technologies.

Beyond Navy applications, the proposed laser technology will be relevant for a range of commercial and scientific applications including holography, spectroscopy, and medical sciences.

REFERENCES:

1. Ahmed, Syed Affan; Mohsin, Mujahid and Ali, Syed Muhammad Zubair. "Survey and technological analysis of laser and its defense applications." Defence Technology, Volume 17, Issue 2, 2021, pp. 583-592, ISSN 2214-9147. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dt.2020.02.012
2. Solonenko, Michael G. and Mobley, Curtis D. "Inherent optical properties of Jerlov water types." Appl. Opt. 54, 2015, pp. 5392-5401.https://opg.optica.org/ao/abstract.cfm?uri=ao-54-17-5392
3. DiMarzio, C.A. (2024). "Optics for Engineers (2nd ed.)." CRC Press. https://doi.org/10.1201/9781315157047

KEYWORDS: Diode laser; blue laser; fiber amplifier; pulsed laser; high power laser; coherence length

TPOC 1
SSP SBIR POC
ssp.sbir@ssp.navy.mil