Mid-Infrared Fiber Coupler for Multiband Infrared Countermeasure (IRCM) Lasers Navy SBIR FY2011.2 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2011.2 Topic No.: N112-089 Topic Title: Mid-Infrared Fiber Coupler for Multiband Infrared Countermeasure (IRCM) Lasers Proposal No.: N112-089-0886 Firm: NP Photonics, Inc. UA Science and Technology Park 9030 S. Rita Road, Suite #120 Tucson, Arizona 85747-9108 Contact: Jie Zong Phone: (520) 799-7470 Web Site: www.npphotonics.com Abstract: NP Photonics proposes to develop a tellurite fiber coupler system capable of combining multiple mid-infrared laser sources at different wavelengths for infrared countermeasure applications. Low loss mid-infrared fiber couplers with the desired wavelength dependence will be fabricated with NP Photonics' proprietary tellurite fibers by tailoring the geometry of the coupling zone. Wavelength combining of multiple laser sources can be achieved by choosing the proper input wavelengths and using tree schemes. Wavelength combining of 2, 4, 6, and 8 lasers sources will be proposed and demonstrated by using 1, 3, 5, and 7 fiber couplers, respectively. The fabrication techniques developed for tellurite fiber couplers may also be used for other mid-infrared fibers such as fluoride fibers and chalcogenide fibers. Benefits: Mid-infrared fiber couplers can be used as power splitters, wavelength multiplexers/demultiplexers, filters, polarization selectors, and wavelength independent splitters for a variety of applications in the mid-infrared. Mid-infrared fiber couplers are essential for the development of monolithic mid-infrared fiber laser systems with tailored wavelength coverage and expanded power scalability. Return