Multi-Functional Laser Heat Source Navy SBIR FY2009.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2009.1 Topic No.: N091-007 Topic Title: Multi-Functional Laser Heat Source Proposal No.: N091-007-0136 Firm: Physical Optics Corporation Photonic Systems Division 20600 Gramercy Place, Bldg. 100 Torrance, California 90501 Contact: Kang-Bin Chua Phone: (310) 320-3088 Web Site: www.poc.com Abstract: To address the Navy need for a heat gun/soldering iron compatible with leaded and lead-free solders without risk of cross-contamination, and with all approved heat shrink and solder sleeves, for use in a Navy flightline maintenance environment, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new MultiFunctional Laser Heat Source (MFLaHS) based on a near-infrared laser diode, beam-shaping optics, laser driver electronics, and a rechargeable power source. The use of a laser ensures compatibility with all types of solder without risk of cross-contamination. The novel MFLaHS design is compact, lightweight, portable, stand-alone, and qualified for flight-line maintenance environments, with a long operating time. Its innovative beam-shaping optics provides optimal working distance with absolute safety for the surrounding materials and staff. These features directly address the PMA-261 and H-53 Helicopters requirements. In Phase I, POC will demonstrate the feasibility of MFLaHS by developing and demonstrating a functional prototype of technology readiness level (TRL)-4. In Phase II, POC plans to develop a TRL-7 prototype and conduct testing to demonstrate the operation of MFLaHS technology in a relevant environment. Benefits: The proposed MFLaHS tool will offer benefits in numerous commercial sectors, especially the medical, civil aviation manufacturing, maritime, and aerospace industries. In medical applications, miniature optics with a desirable focal length and working distance are useful for medical procedures such as photodynamic therapy and laser surgery. Because MFLaHS increases the reliability of soldered joints, it will be an essential electrical wiring tool for military and commercial platforms in which failure in electrical wiring can have catastrophic effects. The immediate market for MFLaHS will be the aviation maintenance/service industry, where 75% of the world's current commercial aircraft have wiring that needs to be tested and possibly replaced. Return