Array Packaging of High Power, High Efficiency, Quantum Cascade Lasers
Navy SBIR FY2014.2


Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2014.2
Topic No.: N142-093
Topic Title: Array Packaging of High Power, High Efficiency, Quantum Cascade Lasers
Proposal No.: N142-093-0149
Firm: MP Technologies, LLC
1801 Maple Avenue
Evanston, Illinois 60201
Contact: Steven Slivken
Phone: (847) 491-7208
Abstract: The use of directed energy at long distances, such as for aircraft defense, requires a high power (>100 W) light source within the mid-infrared spectral region (3-5 micron). Power scaling of individual quantum cascade lasers using 1-D and 2-D arrays seems to be a straightforward approach. However, this process is critically dependent on individual laser output efficiency and thermal management. Extremely high heat flux cooling solutions are required to maintain a desirable laser operating temperature. This project explores the feasibility of scaling the output power of quantum cascade laser arrays using new high efficiency lasers and innovative packaging techniques.
Benefits: Besides aircraft and ship defense, compact and high power mid-infrared laser technology will be useful for a number of remote applications. Arrays of single mode lasers will allow for specific chemical identification with a dramatically increased range. Arrays of tunable lasers will be able to produce comprehensive chemical analysis of a region. This added functionality could lead to very sensitive, long-range chemical sensing for early warning of a chemical/ biological attack.

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