Low-Cost, Robust, Monolithic Semiconductor Mid-Infrared Laser With Very Wide Tunability Navy SBIR FY2012.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2012.1 Topic No.: N121-032 Topic Title: Low-Cost, Robust, Monolithic Semiconductor Mid-Infrared Laser With Very Wide Tunability Proposal No.: N121-032-0872 Firm: Pranalytica, Inc. 1101 Colorado Avenue Santa Monica, California 90401-3009 Contact: Kumar N. Phone: (310) 458-0808 Web Site: www.pranalytica.com Abstract: We propose to develop a new type of a high performance, broadly, rapidly and electronically tunable monolithic, robust and low cost MWIR laser source. Our solution involves novel approaches to gain medium and the tuning mechanism. For gain medium, we will use a new quantum cascade laser (QCL) design combining high output power and efficiency with spectrally broad gain profile, allowing reliable tuning over >�10% of the central wavelength. To achieve required broad tunability, we will use electrically controlled wavelength selective elements integrated directly into the laser chip. The specific approach we will pursue has worked successfully in near-IR diode lasers, and our simulations show that it is also well-suited for MWIR QCLs. We project developing devices that, at the end of Phase II, will be capable of delivering over 1 W in continuous wave at room temperature (CW/RT) mode with a tuning range of over �10% of the center wavelength at 4.6 μm, with near diffraction-limited beam quality. Furthermore, we will apply our best-in-class QCL packaging technology that will result in robust devices that satisfy MIL-STD for vibration/shock and temperature tolerance and are ready for immediate integration into various Navy and other DoD applications. Benefits: We anticipate broad and significant benefits to stem from the development of devices we are proposing, especially since the technology we will develop in MWIR is easily extendable to LWIR laser sources. In the DoD application space, the solicitation mentions directional infrared countermeasure (DIRCM) and other surveillance and mine- and improvised explosive device- (IED)-sensing applications. In the commercial area, there is a multitude of various sensing applications that will benefit from the availability of high performance, broadly and rapidly tunable, monolithic MWIR and LWIR laser sources. Numerous industrial, environmental, and medical sensing applications will benefit from lower SWaP, dramatically higher robustness, and anticipated lower cost of monolithic broadly tunable lasers. Furthermore, broad and rapid tunability of these lasers in LWIR should allow development of lower cost free space optical communication links that have better link availability compared to NIR solutions. Finally, in the homeland security area, there are numerous sensing applications in point and remote detections of chemical warfare agents, explosives, and toxic industrial chemicals, either terrorist-deployed or resulting from industrial accidents. We anticipate the immediate benefit from the availability of our proposed devices to be $20M per year in four years. Return