Optically Safer, Power-Scalable Laser Systems for Defense Applications

Derrek Drachenberg | 17-ERD-034

Executive Summary

We are exploring the use of novel optical fiber design technologies to scale the power of lasers in the 1.53- to 1.62-micrometer range, providing high atmospheric transmission and retina protection. High-power fiber lasers at tens of kilowatts at 1.55 micrometers could benefit Department of Defense applications such as directed energy, lidar sensing, and free-space communications.

Publications and Presentations

Drachenberg, D. R. 2018. "10W Single-Mode Nd+3 Fiber Laser at 1428nm." in Proc. SPIE LASE 2018. 10512. doi: 10.1117/12.2284876. LLNL-CONF-743918.

Drachenberg, D. R., et al. 2018. "Spectrally and Modally Selective Large Mode Area Fiber Coupler for High Power Applications." OSA Advanced Photonics Congress, Specialty Optical Fibers. LLNL-ABS-746808.